This dish pairs crisp green beans with tasty bits of bacon for a wonderful side! It’s simple yet so full of flavor, perfect for any meal.
I love how the salty, smoky bacon adds a fun crunch to the fresh beans. Sometimes, I even add a sprinkle of lemon for a zesty kick! Give it a try, you won’t regret it! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the star here, bringing a lovely crunch and color. If fresh beans aren’t available, frozen beans work too; just adjust cooking time since they’re already blanched.
Bacon: I love using regular bacon for its crispiness and flavor, but turkey bacon or even vegetarian bacon can be great alternatives if you’re looking for lower fat or meat-free options!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful aroma and taste. If you don’t have fresh garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can do the trick, but fresh is always best for flavor!
How Can You Get Green Beans Perfectly Tender and Crisp?
The secret to perfect green beans lies in blanching! This method ensures they stay vibrant and crunch. Here’s how you do it:
- Boil salted water and cook the green beans for just 3-4 minutes.
- Quickly transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking, keeping that bright green color.
- Drain well and they’re ready to join the delicious bacon!
This technique keeps the beans tender yet crisp, ensuring they soak up all the yummy flavors!
Green Beans With Bacon Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or bacon drippings (optional for extra flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a bit of time boiling and sautéing, but the reward is a deliciously vibrant side that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Grab a large pot and fill it with water, adding a teaspoon of salt before bringing it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, carefully add the trimmed green beans. Blanch them for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender but still crisp. Drain them and quickly transfer the beans to a bowl filled with ice water. This will help keep their vibrant color. After they’ve cooled, drain them again and set the beans aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
Next, in a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until it gets nice and crispy. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the excess grease. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet—this is where all the flavor is!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
If you see that your skillet is a bit dry, add a tablespoon of olive oil or a bit more bacon drippings. Now, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it—it should smell incredible but not burn!
4. Combine the Green Beans:
It’s time to add the blanched green beans to the skillet! Toss them in and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Wait until they are heated through and nicely coated with the garlic and bacon fat—you want every bite to be packed with flavor!
5. Add Bacon and Season:
Now stir in the crispy bacon pieces. Season everything with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Mix well, and let all the flavors meld together for a couple of minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is well-combined, transfer the green beans with bacon to a serving dish. Serve warm, and enjoy this delightful dish at your next meal!
With each bite, you’ll be rewarded with the perfect combination of tender green beans and savory bacon. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just skip the blanching step—add them directly to the skillet and sauté until heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave them or warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sauté the green beans with olive oil and mushrooms or use smoked paprika to add a hint of smokiness.
What Can I Serve This Dish With?
Green beans with bacon make a perfect side for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even pasta dishes. They’re versatile and can complement a variety of main courses beautifully!