Salty, sweet, and crunchy, these Bacon Green Beans are tossed in bacon fat for a holiday side dish that’s sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters, and comes together quickly in just 30 minutes – no blanching required. Trust us, this is guaranteed to become your new favorite veg.
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Don’t tell broccoli, but green beans have to be our favorite veggie side dish. And don’t get us wrong, broccoli is king in our household, especially with our kids with favorites being our broccoli salad with peanut butter dressing or our broccoli and feta quiche. But there’s something about the mildly sweet and refreshing crunch factor of green beans. Plus, they’re a versatile veg that can be served simply with a little oil, or leveled up with bacon and shallots. This bacon green beans recipe combines the two.
Salty and mildly sweet, these bacon green beans are made by cooking bacon, reserving bacon fat to cook garlic and shallots, and then tossing in the green beans. It’s a rich and incredibly aromatic side dish recipe that creates a savory, satisfying taste with every bite.
Not only does bacon enhance the flavor of green beans, but it also adds a layer of texture that makes the dish even more decadent. Whether you’re making them for as a weeknight dinner recipe or bringing them to a holiday gathering like Thanksgiving or Christmas, bacon green beans are a simple but flavorful addition that’s guaranteed to please a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s easy to make: With a few ingredients and a few quick steps, this side dish is an easy addition to any main dish.
- It’s flavorful: Smokey and salty bacon paired with sweet green beans make this side dish recipe an explosion of flavors that complement any main dish.
- It’s family-friendly: Got picky eaters who refuse to eat vegetables? Entice them with the salty bacon bits and flavor tossed with the freshness of green beans. And we’re not even talking about the kids.
Serve our Bacon Green Beans with our Thanksgiving Chicken, Perfect Roast Chicken, or alongside any of our unique side dishes.
Ingredient List
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans work best for this recipe. Look for pre-washed and trimmed beans to save time and effort.
- Bacon: classic thick-cut bacon, or slab bacon cut in lardons will give wonderful texture.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil, the best quality available.
- Shallots: Used as an aromatic and adds a subtle sweetness once caramelized.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is used as an aromatic and enhances the flavor of the beans.
- Salt and Pepper: Use sea salt or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Substitutions and Modifications
- Bacon Alternatives: prosciutto, turkey bacon, ham, and pancetta are all perfectly acceptable substitutes to the classic bacon in the dish.
- Garnish and Additions: a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan or crispy fried onions from our green bean casserole recipe are great additions to this dish.
Recipe Steps: How to Make Bacon Green Beans
1. Crisp the bacon.
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Keep 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pan.
2. Saute the beans.
Add a little olive oil, then the shallots, and cook for 1-2 minutes until soft. Add the beans and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
3. Finish the beans.
Add the garlic and bacon back to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.
Chef’s Tips
- Start with a cold pan: Add the bacon to the skillet before turning on the stove. This allows the fat to render out slowly resulting in crisp bacon that is tender on the inside.
- Use medium heat: Use medium or medium-low heat to cook the beans. This prevents them from burning and ensures an even cook and texture.
- Blanch the beans: Blanching the beans in boiling water for 1 minute and then plunging them in ice water before sauteeing them will help the beans retain their vibrant color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Make ahead: This recipe works perfectly to make ahead for serving on holidays – we often prepare the components the night before or the morning of. Simply blanch the green beans, and pre-cook the bacon, then when ready to prepare the dish saute the shallots and garlic, then warm the beans and bacon.
Storage: allow the green beans to cool to room temperature then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warm.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, frozen grean beans will work, however, they will release a lot of water during cooking. We find that the beans will be less plump and may have a slightly chewy texture.
Yes, to make this recipe in the oven, prepare all the ingredients and toss them together in a bowl. Spread everything out on a large baking sheet and roast at 425°F in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
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Recipe Card
Bacon Green Beans
These Bacon Green Beans are a perfect mix of savory and crisp. They combine tender green beans with smoky, crispy bacon in a simple but flavorful side dish. Ready in minutes, this recipe is perfect for holiday dinners or an easy weeknight side everyone will love.
Servings: 6 servings
Instructions
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Add bacon to a heavy-bottomed pot or large skillet and cook for medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and lightly crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a lined plate.
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Remove all but a tablespoon of the bacon grease and return the pan to medium heat. Pour in the olive oil, then add the shallots. Cook for 1-2 minutes until softened, then add the beans. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly browned.
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Add the garlic and bacon, and cook for 1-2 minutes more until the garlic is fragrant and the bacon is hot. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.
Recipe Notes
Start with a cold pan: add the bacon to the skillet before turning on the stove. This allows the fat to render out slowly resulting in crisp bacon that is tender on the inside.
Use medium heat: use medium or medium-low heat to cook the beans. This prevents them from burning and ensures an even cook and texture.
Blanch the beans: blanching the beans in boiling water for 1 minute then plunging them in ice water before sauteeing them will help the beans retain their vibrant color.
Make ahead: this is a recipe that works perfectly to make ahead for serving on holidays – we often prepare the components the night before or morning of. Simply blanch the green beans, and pre-cook the bacon, then when ready to prepare the dish saute the shallots and garlic, then warm the beans and bacon.
Storage: allow the green beans to cool to room temperature then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 259mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 784IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg
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