Green Beans with Bacon

Green beans with bacon is a flavorful side dish that will pair well with almost any main dish!

A little bacon, garlic, and some green beans are all that is needed for this easy side. Simply season with salt & pepper and enjoy.

Table of Contents

A Savory Side Dish

This is a simple side with just 3 ingredients plus salt & pepper.
It’s quick and easy to make yet it packs big flavor.
The beans are fresh and crisp; perfect served warm or chilled in salads.

Ingredients for Green Beans with Bacon

Green beans – For the best results use fresh green beans for this recipe. Give htem a quick rinse and trim the ends. Frozen or canned beans can also be used, but they will not be as crisp as fresh.

Bacon – Uncooked bacon is the best option for this recipe as the little bit of fat adds flavor and is used in place of oil. If you cook batches of bacon in the oven, reserve some of the pan drippings for the beans (and other dishes).

Garlic – Fresh garlic can burn easily so it is added at the end for flavor and just needs a couple of minutes. You can substitute ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder if it’s all you have on hand.

Variations

This side dish is so delicious as is but you can change it up a bit if you’d like.

Fry a little onion in the bacon grease for a few minutes before adding the beans.
Sprinkle with a little parmesan cheese.
Top with toasted sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or even toasted pine nuts.
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs before serving.

How to Cook Green Beans & Bacon

Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Remove it from the pan leaving some of the drippings.
Add the green beans and cook until tender-crisp (as per the recipe below).
Add the garlic and the bacon and cook for a little more.

This recipe is best made with raw bacon as the fat is used in place of olive oil. If you have cooked bacon (or real bacon bits) cook them in a bit of butter until crisp and then cook the beans in butter.

Leftovers

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well. To reheat simply add to a pan and fry until heated through. They can also be added to this classic green bean casserole.

Great Green Bean Recipes

Did you make these Green Beans with Bacon? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below!

4.95 from 19 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Tender crisp green beans with smoky bacon make the perfect side dish!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Place chopped bacon into a large skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy.
Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel lined plate.
Discard all but (approx) 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings.
Add green beans to pan and cook over medium heat until they are lightly browned, stirring occasionally (about 8 minutes).
Add garlic and bacon, toss and cook for 1 minute more.

Fresh green beans are the best option, but frozen (or even canned) will do in a pinch. Frozen or canned beans will not be as crisp.
If you only have pre-cooked bacon (or real bacon bits) use a bit of butter to cook the beans.
Options: Garnish with sliced almonds, toasted sunflower seeds, parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Kitchen Tip: If topping these with nuts or seeds, cook them in a dry skillet until they are just barely browned. This intensifies their flavor and makes them extra crunchy.
4.95 from 19 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!