Green Beans with Bacon is a tasty side dish that brings together crunchy green beans and crispy bacon. It’s quick to make and oh so flavorful!
The smoky bacon adds a delicious twist, making the veggies even more fun to eat. I love serving this as a simple treat at dinner. Trust me, it always gets smiles! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the star of this dish. They’re crunchy and vibrant. If they’re out of season, feel free to use frozen green beans. They work well, and you can skip the blanching step.
Bacon: Bacon provides that delicious smoky flavor. I recommend thick-cut bacon for better texture. If you want a lighter alternative, turkey bacon can be used, though it won’t be as crispy or flavorful.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a lovely aroma and depth. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder is a good substitute. Use 1/4 teaspoon for each clove of fresh garlic.
Olive Oil or Butter: This is optional, depending on how much bacon fat you have left. If you want a buttery taste, add a little butter. Otherwise, stick with the bacon grease for that rich flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crisp on the Bacon?
Getting crispy bacon can sometimes be tricky, but here’s how to do it well:
- Start with a cold skillet. Add chopped bacon and heat over medium. This helps render the fat slowly, making it crispier.
- Cook until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer it out while leaving some grease in the pan for cooking the garlic and green beans.
These simple steps will ensure your bacon is crispy and packed with flavor, enhancing this already delicious dish! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Green Beans with Bacon?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, depending on bacon fat)
- Optional garnish: fresh rosemary or parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Green Beans with Bacon dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time. So, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the trimmed green beans and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. This step brightens the green beans and makes them nice and crisp-tender. After that, drain the beans and quickly put them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep them vibrant and crunchy.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pan for added flavor.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the same skillet where the bacon was cooked. Sauté it for about 30 seconds or until you can smell that yummy garlic aroma. Be careful not to burn it—we just want it to be fragrant!
4. Add the Green Beans:
Now, return the drained green beans to the skillet. Toss them in the garlic and bacon fat to coat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re heated through and start to caramelize a little. This will enhance their flavor!
5. Mix in the Bacon and Season:
Next, bring back the crispy bacon pieces into the skillet. Stir everything together to combine. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. This is a good time to adjust the seasoning based on your preference!
6. Finish Off and Serve:
If you’d like, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter for extra richness. Toss everything one last time to mix it all together. Then, transfer the green beans to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh rosemary or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your savory, smoky side dish!
This delightful mix of green beans and bacon complements any main course beautifully. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans in This Recipe?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used! Just skip the blanching step as they are usually pre-cooked. You can add them directly to the skillet after sautéing the garlic, cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until heated through.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Bacon?
If you don’t have bacon, you can use pancetta or turkey bacon as alternatives. For a vegetarian version, consider sautéing onions and using smoked paprika for that smoky flavor, though it won’t have the same richness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it ahead by blanching the green beans and cooking the bacon. When ready to serve, combine them in the skillet quickly to heat through. Just don’t add the garlic until you’re ready to cook, as it can lose its flavor if prepared too early!
