Green Beans with Bacon is a tasty side dish that perfectly mixes crunchy beans and crispy bacon. It’s a simple, yet flavorful treat that adds a nice touch to any meal.
Plus, who can resist that smoky flavor from the bacon? I can eat these as a snack, but they’re also great alongside dinner. Give it a try—it’s just that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best for this recipe. You can use frozen green beans in a pinch, but fresh will give you that nice crunch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time.
Bacon: Bacon adds a lot of flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works well. You could also use pancetta or salami for a different taste.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness and depth. If you don’t have onion, shallots or even a sprinkle of onion powder can do the trick.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor. If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder—about 1/4 teaspoon should suffice.
Olive Oil: Extra fat helps if the dish seems dry. You can use vegetable oil or even butter if you prefer. Each adds its own flavor.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crisp Green Beans?
To achieve crisp-tender green beans, blanching is essential. This quick cooking method helps set the bright green color and keeps them crunchy.
- Bring a pot of salty water to a boil. It should taste a bit like the ocean.
- Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender.
- Drain the beans and plunge them into ice water right away. This stops the cooking process. After a minute, drain again.
This technique ensures that your green beans remain vibrant and crunchy, making every bite delicious!
How to Make Green Beans With Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon fat (optional, if needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15-20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 5 minutes prepping the ingredients and blanching the green beans, and then 10-15 minutes cooking everything together. It’s quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add in the trimmed green beans. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender but still vibrant green. Once done, drain the beans and quickly plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking and helps them keep their bright color. After a few minutes, drain them again and set them aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook it until it’s nice and crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, but keep the bacon fat in the pan for flavor.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the drained green beans to the skillet. Toss them with the onion and garlic, cooking for another 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the green beans are heated through and have soaked up that savory flavor.
5. Add the Bacon and Season:
Stir the crispy bacon pieces back into the skillet and mix well. If it looks a bit dry, feel free to drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil or some of the reserved bacon fat. Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm green beans with bacon as a delicious side dish. They pair beautifully with just about any meal, adding a wonderful smoky, savory flavor. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just be sure to thaw them first before cooking. You may want to blanch them briefly in boiling water (about 2 minutes) to help them retain some crunch.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon works well as a substitute. Alternatively, you can use diced pancetta or even mushrooms for a plant-based version. Just cook any alternative until it’s crispy or nicely browned to enhance the flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat. You can add a splash of water or a little olive oil to help revive them.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch, or toss in some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to accommodate any new ingredients.