A plate of savory green beans and crispy bacon garnished with fresh parsley.

Savory Green Bean and Bacon Recipe | Quick & Easy

by

The smell of bacon in the kitchen brings back family memories. It’s a mix of crispy bacon and fresh green beans that feels like home. This recipe is about enjoying simple food that brings people together.

It’s perfect for busy people who want to cook something tasty fast. Imagine a plate of green beans and bacon that’s ready in no time. It’s great with any main dish.

A plate of savory green beans and crispy bacon garnished with fresh parsley.

With just two pounds of green beans and four strips of bacon, you can make a big difference in your meal. It’s perfect with roasted turkey or steak. This dish is about more than just food. It’s about connecting with others.

Key Takeaways

  • This quick and easy green bean and bacon recipe takes under an hour to prepare.
  • Combining fresh green beans with crispy bacon creates exceptional savory flavors.
  • The recipe serves approximately 8 servings, making it perfect for family meals.
  • It uses just four strips of bacon and eight cups of green beans, balancing flavor and freshness.
  • Ideal for pairing with various main dishes like roasted turkey, chicken, or meatloaf.

Introduction to Green Bean and Bacon Recipe

The green bean and bacon dish is a favorite at dinner tables. It’s loved for its tasty mix of flavors and easy recipe. It’s perfect for family dinners and special events.

Preparing this dish takes only 10 minutes, and cooking it takes 15. So, you can have it ready in 25 minutes. It’s a hit with everyone because of the fresh green beans and crispy bacon.

Fresh green beans, crispy bacon, garlic, olive oil, and black pepper on a rustic wooden counter.
Gather your fresh ingredients for a delicious green bean and bacon recipe, perfect for any meal.

Each serving has about 168 calories. It’s a great side dish that won’t fill you up too much. You’ll need just a few ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh green beans
  • ½ pound raw diced bacon
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

Green beans with bacon make meals better and show off seasonal produce. The bacon’s crispiness adds a deep flavor to the green beans. It’s great on its own or with other main dishes. Try it often and watch your guests enjoy it.

Why Choose This Green Bean and Bacon Recipe

This green bean and bacon recipe is a hit for its easy preparation and tasty flavor. It’s ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for weeknights or big events. Plus, it’s made in one skillet, which means less cleanup for you.

Green beans in this recipe are full of vitamins A, C, and K, plus fiber for your gut. Using leaner bacon or low-sodium options lets you enjoy the flavor without too much guilt. It pairs well with many main dishes, like roasted meats or fish.

A plate of savory green beans and crispy bacon garnished with fresh parsley.

You can also add nuts, fresh veggies, or lemon juice to make it even better. Fresh green beans stay tender when cooked in bacon grease. This side dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a tasty green bean and bacon dish, you need the right ingredients. Knowing what to pick can make your dish even better. It ensures it tastes just right to you.

Essential Ingredients

The base of your dish is these key ingredients:

  • 1 pound of fresh green beans
  • ½ pound of chopped bacon
  • 1 small yellow onion or large shallot
  • 4 cloves of garlic

Don’t forget to add salt and pepper. They make a big difference in taste. Using fresh green beans is important for the best flavor and texture.

Optional Ingredients for Variation

Want to make your dish your own? Try these optional ingredients:

  • Crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
  • Different types of onions based on your preference
  • Cayenne pepper for a spicy twist
  • Hickory-smoked or turkey bacon to vary the flavor
  • Coconut bacon or homemade vegan bacon for a plant-based option

These changes let you make the dish your own. It keeps your meal fresh and exciting every time.

Preparation Time and Cooking Time

The prep time for green beans and bacon is about 10 minutes. You can quickly get your ingredients ready, wash, and trim the green beans. Then, cooking the dish takes another 10 minutes. This makes the whole process very quick, perfect for a busy weeknight.

First, boil the green beans until they are crisp-tender, which takes 8 to 10 minutes. While that’s happening, cook four strips of bacon and diced onion in a skillet. It usually takes 3 to 5 minutes for the bacon to get crispy and the onion to soften. This quick method means you spend less time cooking but still get a delicious meal.

This dish is ready in just 20 minutes, making it great for any time. It’s perfect for when you have guests over or for festive occasions. Plus, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. This makes it a great choice for meal planning.

TaskTime Required
Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Time for Green Beans8 to 10 minutes
Cooking Time for Bacon and Onion3 to 5 minutes
Total Cooking and Prep Time20 minutes

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a tasty green beans and bacon dish is easy and fun. Just follow these steps to cook it perfectly.

Cooking the Bacon

Start by heating a big, deep skillet over medium heat. Put 4 strips of chopped bacon in the skillet. Cook until it’s crispy and fat is released, about 5-7 minutes.

After it’s done, take the bacon out but keep the drippings in the pan. They add great flavor later.

Preparing the Green Beans

While the bacon cools, prep the green beans. Use 8 cups or 3 pounds of fresh green beans. Make sure to trim the ends.

In the same skillet with bacon drippings, add the green beans. Add a bit of salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until they’re tender and slightly crispy, about 8-10 minutes.

Combining Ingredients for Optimal Flavor

When the green beans are ready, put the cooked bacon back in the skillet. Mix the green beans and bacon well, so they’re both coated with the tasty drippings. Cook for another minute.

This step makes sure the flavors of green beans and bacon mix well. Serve it hot and enjoy the delicious taste!

Tips for Making Perfect Green Beans with Bacon

To make a delicious green bean and bacon dish, follow some tips. The right ingredients are key for great taste and texture. Choose fresh green beans, the perfect bacon, and add simple spices.

Choosing the Right Type of Green Beans

For the best green beans, go for fresh ones. Look for beans that are bright green and crisp. They should snap when bent. If fresh beans are hard to find, frozen ones are okay but won’t be as crunchy.

Choosing the Perfect Bacon

When picking bacon, think about what you like. Pork bacon is rich and savory. Maple-cured or turkey bacon adds different flavors. The bacon you choose really affects the taste of your dish.

Enhancing Flavors with Spices

To make your dish even better, add spices. Crushed red pepper flakes add heat. Smoked paprika adds depth. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness. These small touches can make a big difference.

Health Benefits of Green Beans

Green beans are full of nutrients that boost your health. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. A one-cup serving gives you about 25% of Vitamin C you need daily.

Vitamin C helps keep your immune system strong and your skin healthy. Green beans also have lots of Vitamin K, giving you nearly 20% of your daily needs. Vitamin K is key for blood clotting and strong bones.

Green beans are also a good source of folate. You get 33% of your daily folate in just one cup. Folate is important for pregnant women and can help fight depression.

Eating green beans helps your digestion because they are high in fiber. Fiber is good for your gut and helps control blood sugar. This makes green beans a great choice for a healthy diet.

Green beans are available all year, so you can always get them. But, canned green beans have a lot of sodium. Choose low-sodium or salt-free options to make them a better choice.

Serving Suggestions for Green Beans and Bacon

This green bean and bacon recipe is a hit for its rich taste and flexibility. It pairs well with many main dishes. It’s great with roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or meatloaf.

Pairing with Main Dishes

This side dish brings a nice texture and flavor to dinner. Try it with:

  • Roasted Turkey
  • Grilled Chicken
  • Meatloaf
  • Fish Dishes like Salmon
  • Pork Chops

It’s a great way to impress your family and guests at any meal.

Excellent for Holiday Meals

This dish is a favorite at holiday meals. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Its smoky taste makes it a hit, creating lasting memories.

How to Store Leftover Green Beans with Bacon

Storing leftover green beans is easy. First, let them cool down completely after cooking. This stops moisture from building up in the container.

Then, put the cooled green beans in a sealed container. An airtight container keeps air out, making the beans stay fresh longer. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, they’ll taste great.

To reheat, you can use a covered saucepan or the microwave. Use low to medium heat to avoid overcooking. If the brown sugar mixture is hard, heat it up quickly before adding it to the beans.

Here’s a quick summary of the storing process:

StepDescription
1Allow green beans to cool completely.
2Transfer to a sealed, airtight container.
3Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
4Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave.
5Restore consistency of the brown sugar mixture before reheating, if necessary.

Recipe Variations to Try

Trying new green bean recipes can make meals more exciting. You can find both vegetarian and spicy options. These recipes offer different tastes and fit various diets. Let’s explore some ideas that keep the classic dish alive but add something new.

Vegetarian Options

Looking for vegetarian choices? Try using plant-based bacon or skip the bacon altogether. Add spices or nuts for extra flavor. Sautéed mushrooms can also add a meaty taste without using meat.

This way, you can enjoy a tasty vegetarian green bean dish. It will please your taste buds and meet your nutritional needs.

Adding a Spicy Kick

Want to add some heat? Use chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or fresh peppers. This makes the dish spicy and exciting. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.

VariationDescriptionKey Ingredients
Vegetarian Green BeansPlant-based or no bacon, rich in flavorsGreen beans, mushrooms, nuts, spices
Spicy Green BeansExtra heat for spice loversGreen beans, chili flakes, jalapeños

Conclusion

To wrap up on green beans and bacon recipe, you find a mix of simplicity and flavor. It’s perfect for your cooking collection. This dish combines the crisp green beans with the savory bacon, pleasing many tastes.

It’s great for any meal, from a weeknight dinner to a special occasion. Your family and guests will love it.

The recipe is easy to change up, letting you add your own twist. You can try different bacons and spices to make it your own. Each time, you get to create something new and special.

This green bean and bacon dish will become a favorite at your table. It’s easy to make and fun to play with. Enjoy the delicious flavors it adds to your meals.

FAQ

How long does it take to prepare the green bean and bacon recipe?

It takes about 20 minutes to make this recipe. You’ll spend 10 minutes getting ready and 10 minutes cooking.

What are the essential ingredients for the green bean and bacon dish?

You’ll need 1 pound of fresh green beans, ½ pound of chopped bacon, and a small yellow onion. Also, 4 cloves of garlic, salt, and pepper are key.

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Fresh green beans are best for taste and texture. But, frozen green beans work too, even if they’re not as crisp.

What are some variations I can try with the green bean and bacon recipe?

Try different bacon types like hickory-smoked or turkey bacon. Add crushed red pepper flakes for spice. Or, sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.

Is the green bean and bacon dish suitable for holiday gatherings?

Yes, it’s great for holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. It’s a favorite at family gatherings.

What health benefits do green beans provide?

Green beans are full of vitamins and minerals. They’re rich in fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and folic acid. These can help with digestion and boost health.

How do I store leftover green beans with bacon?

Cool the green beans completely. Then, put them in a sealed container. Store in the fridge for up to three days.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?

Yes, use plant-based bacon or skip the bacon. Adding nuts or sautéed mushrooms can make it tasty without meat.

What types of main dishes pair well with green beans and bacon?

It goes well with roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or meatloaf. It’s good with many main dishes.

How can I enhance the flavors of the green beans and bacon recipe?

Add spices like smoked paprika. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten it. Chili flakes or cayenne pepper add a spicy kick.

Source Links

Leave a Comment