This Bacon and Green Beans recipe combines crispy, salty bacon with tender green beans sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce. The result is a delicious side dish that’s simple to make yet full of bold flavors. The green beans retain their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture, while the bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch to every bite.
Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your menu. It’s versatile enough to pair with roasted meats, grilled fish, or vegetarian mains, and it’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Plus, with just one pan and a few basic ingredients, cleanup is a breeze!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the bacon grease. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them in the garlic-bacon grease mixture. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the butter, cooked bacon, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of fresh green beans and crispy bacon is a timeless pairing that offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The green beans add a fresh, slightly sweet crunch, while the bacon contributes a rich, smoky, and salty element. Cooking the beans in bacon grease and finishing with garlic butter elevates the dish, making it both flavorful and indulgent.
Variations and Customizations
- Add onions or shallots: Sauté thinly sliced onions or shallots along with the garlic for an extra layer of sweetness and depth.
- Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for a spicier version.
- Herb boost: Toss in freshly chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley just before serving to enhance the dish’s aroma and color.
- Low-sodium version: Use reduced-sodium bacon or turkey bacon for a healthier alternative.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh bacon to make a vegetarian version.
Perfect Occasions for This Dish
This dish shines as a side for various occasions:
- Holiday gatherings: Its rich flavor and festive presentation make it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
- Weeknight dinners: With a quick prep and cooking time of just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Potluck and parties: Easy to make in large batches, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks or barbecues.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for best results, or microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.
- Freezing: This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the green beans may become too soft when thawed.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 350mg
History and Background of the Dish
Bacon and green beans is a classic pairing in many cuisines around the world. It has roots in Southern cooking, where fresh vegetables are often cooked with cured or smoked meats to add flavor. This dish became a staple at holiday tables and family gatherings because of its comforting flavors and simplicity. Variations of this recipe can be found in different cultures, from French haricot verts with lardons to German grüne Bohnen mit Speck.
Cooking Tips and Techniques
- Selecting the Green Beans: Look for bright, firm green beans without blemishes. If you want a slightly more delicate flavor, opt for French green beans (haricot verts), which are thinner and cook faster.
- Bacon Crispiness: For the crispiest bacon, cook it over medium heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove it as soon as it turns golden brown, as it will continue to crisp as it cools.
- Garlic Butter Finish: Adding butter at the end ensures a rich, glossy coating on the green beans, while garlic enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
Health Benefits
Despite being a comfort food, this recipe offers nutritional value:
- Green Beans: High in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, green beans contribute to a healthy digestive system and immune support.
- Bacon (in moderation): While bacon is high in fat and sodium, it also provides protein and a small amount of essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and zinc.
- Garlic: Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, garlic adds both flavor and health benefits.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of mains:
- Roasted or grilled meats: Such as roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled salmon.
- Vegetarian mains: Pair with a hearty mushroom risotto or a savory lentil loaf.
- Holiday spreads: Add it to your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.
Here’s a conclusion you can use to wrap up your article:
Conclusion
This Bacon and Green Beans recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors—salty, crispy bacon combined with fresh, tender green beans, all brought together by a rich garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight side or adding it to your holiday spread, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. With minimal prep time, simple ingredients, and a one-pan cooking method, it’s an easy yet impressive addition to any meal. Give it a try, and enjoy the irresistible combination of smoky bacon and vibrant green beans!