This dish features fresh green beans cooked with crispy bacon for a tasty side! The salty bacon pairs beautifully with the crunch of the beans, making it hard to resist.
I love how quick this recipe is! Just sauté the green beans with bacon for a fun flavor explosion. Trust me, you’ll want seconds—it’s that good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are key for this dish. You can substitute them with frozen beans, but fresh will offer a better texture and flavor. If you can’t find green beans, try using haricots verts, which are thinner and more tender.
Bacon: I suggest using thick-cut bacon for more crunch. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon works well, though it won’t have the same deep flavor. Vegans can use mushroom bacon or omit the bacon entirely, adding smoked paprika for a hint of flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the dish. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too—just use about 1/4 teaspoon. I prefer fresh for the best taste!
Onion: This ingredient adds sweetness. Use any onion type you have—yellow, sweet, or even shallots. If onions aren’t your thing, just skip them. The dish will still be delicious!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Green Beans?
To achieve that bright green, crisp-tender texture, blanching is your friend! Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt helps flavor the beans.
- Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans for 3-4 minutes. This step cooks them halfway while preserving their color and crunch.
- Quickly transfer the beans to an ice water bath. This stops cooking and keeps them vibrant green. Drain and set aside.
Blanching is the secret to perfect green beans in this recipe! Trust me, it makes all the difference.
How to Make Green Beans With Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 slices bacon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup small yellow onion, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil or bacon drippings (optional, for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep and cooking time. It’s quick and easy to whip up, making it a perfect side dish for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Green Beans:
Begin by trimming the ends off the fresh green beans and rinsing them under cool water. This helps remove any dirt and keeps them fresh!
2. Blanch the Beans:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender and a vibrant green color. Once done, quickly drain the beans and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process, keeping those bright colors!
3. Cook the Bacon:
While the green beans cool, place a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon slices. Cook until the bacon is crispy, then transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
If you need more oil, drain some bacon fat from the skillet but keep about 1-2 tablespoons in there. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion (if using), and sauté these for about 1-2 minutes or until fragrant and the onion is translucent. The aroma will fill your kitchen and get your taste buds excited!
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, add the blanched green beans to the skillet, tossing them with the garlic and onion. Sauté everything together for an additional 3-4 minutes until the beans are heated through and start to caramelize slightly. This brings out their natural sweetness!
6. Finish with Bacon:
Stir in the crumbled bacon and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give everything a good toss to combine.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the warm green beans with bacon as a delightful side dish. They pair well with any main course and are sure to impress your family and friends!
Enjoy your delicious, savory green beans with bacon! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. However, note that fresh green beans provide a better texture and taste.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon is a good option. For a vegetarian version, try using smoked tempeh or mushroom bacon to retain that smoky flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover green beans with bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or sauté them gently in a skillet until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the green beans and cook the bacon ahead of time. Just combine them and heat everything together just before serving. This way, you save time when you’re ready to eat!
