Level up your side dish game with delicious bacon green beans. This easy recipe combines crisp-tender green beans with savory bacon for a flavorful, quick-to-make dish perfect for any meal.
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Combining bacon and green beans together in a side dish is something that just make sense. They’re simple to throw together but taste like you spent way more time on them. Fresh green beans get a smoky, salty upgrade thanks to crispy bacon, and honestly, who can say no to bacon? This dish has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s easy, delicious, and goes with just about everything.
I used to think sautéed green beans were kind of boring and I relied on them just to get something on the plate. But once I tried them with bacon, I was hooked. Similar to cabbage with bacon, the combination is so good it made me actually look forward to eating my veggies. Plus, this recipe is super flexible. Want it for a casual weeknight dinner? Perfect. Need a side that holds its own at a holiday dinner? It’s got you covered.
Even picky eaters love it. I’ve served bacon green beans to friends and family who “don’t do vegetables,” and they always come back for seconds. It’s that good! Whether you’re trying to jazz up your dinners or need an easy crowd-pleaser, you really can’t go wrong with this recipe.
Ingredients
- Bacon: Adds smoky, salty flavor and a crispy texture that elevates the green beans.
- Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Garlic: Infuses the green beans with a rich, savory aroma and flavor.
- Fresh green beans: Provide a crisp-tender texture and a fresh, vibrant base.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and a touch of earthy complexity.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Grab your ingredients and a 10-inch skillet. Once the bacon and onion has been chopped, just follow these simple directions.
Cook the bacon in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the fat is released and the meat is crisp and brown.
Stir in the onion and garlic. Let cook for about 1 minute.
Add the cut green beans and 1⁄2 cup of water. Allow the green beans to cook until the water has cooked off and the green beans are tender. Add more water if it all cooks off before the green beans are tender.
Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Hint: Cook the bacon first and use some of the rendered bacon fat to sauté the onions and garlic. This adds even more flavor to the dish and ensures nothing goes to waste!
Variations
Here are some easy ways to customize this bacon green beans recipe to suit your taste:
- Add a kick of heat: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a spicy twist that pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon.
- Incorporate cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumble goat cheese on top before serving for a creamy, tangy addition.
- Make it smokier: Use smoked paprika or a few dashes of liquid smoke to intensify the flavor even more.
- Go herbaceous: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill to brighten up the dish and add a pop of freshness.
- Swap the bacon: Try pancetta, turkey bacon, or even diced ham for a slightly different take on the classic flavor.
- Asian-inspired: Drizzle with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil, and top with toasted sesame seeds for an umami-packed side.
- Sweet and savory: Add a handful of dried cranberries or chopped pecans to bring a sweet contrast to the salty bacon.
Tips
Top tip: For perfectly cooked green beans, blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes before adding them to the pan. This helps them stay bright green and crisp-tender!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh green beans, onions, and garlic will give the best flavor and texture compared to frozen or pre-chopped options.
- Don’t overcook the bacon: Cook the bacon until just crispy; it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the beans.
- Season gradually: Since bacon is naturally salty, add salt sparingly and taste as you go.
- Prep ahead: Trim and cut the green beans and chop the bacon, onion, and garlic in advance to make cooking quicker.
- Control the heat: Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the garlic or overcooking the beans.
- Deglaze the pan: If you have browned bits stuck to the pan after cooking the bacon, deglaze with a splash of chicken broth or water to incorporate even more flavor into the dish.
Serving suggestions
Green beans with bacon is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a wide range of main courses. For a classic combo, serve them alongside air fryer chicken or a juicy pan-fried pork chops to complement the smoky bacon flavor. They also work wonderfully with hearty dishes like meatloaf or beef stew, adding a fresh, savory balance to richer entrees.
If you’re cooking for guests with specific dietary needs, this recipe can easily fit into a keto or low-carb meal plan. Pair it with pan-fried salmon or a bunless pork burger for a satisfying and carb-friendly dinner. You can also make it gluten-free by ensuring your bacon and seasonings don’t contain hidden gluten, making it a safe choice for guests with dietary restrictions.
For a more festive spread, bacon green beans are perfect for holiday meals or potlucks. Serve them alongside turkey and stuffing, or pair them with glazed ham and mashed potatoes for a well-rounded table. If you’re looking for more veggie-forward options, you can also link to recipes like air fryer Brussels sprouts or a light broccoli salad to give your guests plenty of variety.
Storage
To store leftover bacon green beans, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, though the texture of the green beans may change slightly after freezing.
When reheating, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
While fresh green beans provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen green beans if that's what you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Absolutely! If you're looking for a bacon-free version, try using turkey bacon or pancetta for a similar savory flavor. For a vegetarian option, you can sauté the beans with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of smoked paprika to add that smoky depth.
Yes! This recipe is flexible, and you can easily add other veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure they’re tender but not overcooked.
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Recipe
Bacon Green Beans
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¾ pound fresh green beans trimmed and cut in half
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1/16 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a 10-inch skillet over medium- high heat, stirring occasionally, until the fat is released and the meat is crisp and brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in the onion and garlic; let cook for about 1 minute.
- Add the cut green beans and 1⁄2 cup of water. Allow the green beans to cook until the water has cooked off and the green beans are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add more water if it all cooks off before the green beans are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Notes
Although fresh green beans are recommended, frozen green beans will work, too.
Sprinkling on red pepper flakes will add some spicy heat.
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