This dish combines crispy bacon with bright green beans for a tasty side! The salty, smoky flavor of the bacon makes the fresh beans even better.
You can enjoy these green beans with almost any meal, but they’re a favorite at holiday dinners. And let’s be honest, everything’s better with bacon, right? 🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best for this recipe. If fresh ones aren’t available, you can use frozen green beans, but skip the blanching step since they’re already partially cooked.
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for its rich flavor and crispy texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or pancetta can work too, though they will change the flavor a bit.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must! You could substitute with garlic powder, but fresh gives a much stronger flavor. For a twist, try shallots instead of garlic for a milder taste.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add a nice kick! If you prefer milder flavors, you can skip them or use a pinch of black pepper instead. For more heat, go for crushed red pepper or even sliced fresh chili.
Olive Oil or Bacon Drippings: If you want to keep it simple, use the bacon fat left in the skillet. However, if you’re cooking vegetarian, you can use olive oil or avocado oil instead.
How Do I Make Perfectly Crisp Green Beans?
Getting green beans to the right texture is crucial. Start by blanching them in boiling salted water. This process helps to cook them quickly while keeping their bright color and crunch. Here’s how:
- Boil water with a generous amount of salt. This adds flavor and helps to maintain the bright color.
- Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans for 3-4 minutes. They should turn vibrant green and be slightly tender.
- Drain and immediately plunge them into an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) to stop cooking. This keeps them crisp!
Following these steps leads to green beans that are perfectly cooked—tender yet still crisp. Happy cooking!
Green Beans With Bacon Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon drippings (if needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish will take about 15-20 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 5 minutes blanching the beans, and about 10-15 minutes for cooking the bacon and combining everything. It’s a quick and easy way to add flavor to your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be bright green and slightly tender. After that, drain the beans and set them aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Once it’s done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and set them aside, leaving the delicious bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
If the skillet doesn’t have enough bacon fat left, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil. Then, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
4. Cook the Green Beans:
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat them well with the bacon fat and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender but still crisp.
5. Combine and Season:
Now, stir the reserved cooked bacon pieces back into the skillet with the green beans. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat and serve the green beans warm as a delicious side dish. Enjoy the rich flavors and crunch!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Skip the blanching step since they’re already partially cooked. Just add them directly to the skillet after sautéing the garlic.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Bacon?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon and use olive oil for sautéing. To add flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through but still crisp.
