These grilled green bean foil packets make a fast, flavorful side for any cookout. Fresh green beans are tossed with simple seasonings, tucked into foil, and grilled until tender—an easy, healthy addition to summer meals.
They pair especially well with grilled proteins—try them alongside steak and shrimp kabobs for a complete meal ready in under 30 minutes. The beans stay bright and tender on the grill, and the foil packets make preparation and cleanup a breeze.
Whether you’re working with beans from the garden or a bag from the store, this recipe is quick and forgiving. Green beans cook in just minutes on the grill and retain their vibrant color and fresh flavor, making them a healthy, attractive side dish.
Why You’ll Love Grilled Green Beans
- This recipe is quick—ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- It uses just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients.
- It’s easy to scale up—make extra foil packets to feed a crowd.
Ingredients for Grilled Green Beans
- Green beans – Fresh trimmed green beans are best; frozen can work if needed.
- Salt and black pepper – Season to taste; red pepper flakes add a kick if you like heat.
- Garlic powder – Adds savory depth without extra prep.
- Olive oil – Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil for flavor and texture.
Products Needed
- Aluminum foil
- Tongs
- Grill
How to Grill Green Beans in Foil Packets
Preheat your grill and clean the grates. Aim for medium direct heat—about 350–400°F.
On a sheet of heavy-duty foil, place the trimmed green beans in a single layer. Create a shallow well by folding the foil edges up and add olive oil, water, and the seasonings. Seal the packet tightly, and double-wrap with another layer of foil if desired to prevent tearing.
Place the packet directly on the grill and cook with the lid closed for 8 minutes. Flip the packet and cook another 8 minutes, then carefully open and test a bean from the center for tenderness. Serve hot.
Mix it Up!
- A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the beans after grilling.
- Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a savory touch.
How to Store Leftover Green Beans
Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve texture—microwaving can make them tough.
Can you cook green beans on the grill?
Yes—foil packets are ideal for grilling green beans. They keep the beans from falling through the grates and steam them to a tender, flavorful finish.
How long do you grill green beans in foil?
A typical foil packet cooks over direct medium heat for about 16 minutes total—8 minutes per side—depending on bean size and grill temperature.
Do you cut the ends off of fresh green beans?
Yes, trim the stem ends (often called “top and tailing”) before cooking. You can snap them off by hand or trim with a knife—this small step improves texture and presentation.
What to Serve with Grilled Green Beans
These beans complement a wide range of mains—steak, chicken thighs, pork chops, or grilled seafood. They also pair nicely with other grilled vegetables like cauliflower and sweet potatoes for a veggie-forward plate.
Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Green Beans
- Use fresh green beans when possible; frozen are the next best choice—avoid canned.
- Move and open the packet with tongs to avoid steam burns.
- If you don’t have olive oil, a high-quality avocado oil works well.
Green beans are affordable and available year-round. Fresh from the grill they’re especially tempting—bright, crisp-tender, and easy to snack on straight from the foil packet.
More Veggie Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy smoked vegetables are packed with smoky flavor and require minimal hands-on time.
- Grilled corn on the cob in foil is a summertime classic that turns out perfectly every time.
- Grilled asparagus cooks quickly and needs very little prep.
- Grilled zucchini is a versatile, crowd-pleasing side—great on its own or on skewers.
If you make this recipe and share a photo, tag @gimmesomegrilling on Instagram or use #gimmesomegrilling so your grilling creations can be seen.
Grilled Green Bean Foil Packets
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Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans washed and trimmed
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
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Prepare a clean grill and preheat to medium heat, about 350–400°F (175–200°C).
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Lay a piece of foil roughly 12″ x 24″ on the work surface and arrange the green beans in the center. Fold the foil edges up slightly to form a shallow tray. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then drizzle with olive oil and the water. Fold the foil into a sealed packet; wrap a second layer of foil if you want extra protection against tearing.
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Place the packet over direct medium heat and cook with the lid closed for 8 minutes. Flip and cook another 8 minutes. Carefully open the packet and test a bean for doneness; they should be tender but still bright green.
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Remove from the grill and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated and may vary. For precise values, run the ingredients through your preferred nutrition calculator.