Green Beans with Bacon
User Reviews
5
Green Beans with Bacon
Description
This recipe sautés trimmed green beans in bacon drippings after cooking chopped bacon separately until crisp. The bacon is removed and set aside, while most of the fat is discarded to leave about a tablespoon for cooking the beans. Green beans are cooked over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring occasionally to develop some caramelization and tender but still crisp texture. Garlic is added toward the end to gently soften and release aroma, then the reserved bacon pieces are tossed back in to combine flavors.
The result is a side dish with green beans that have a slightly charred and savory flavor profile enhanced by smoky bacon and sharp garlic notes. The method maintains some crunch in the beans while adding richness from the bacon fat and saltiness from the meat. The cooking technique balances simple seasoning to let the main ingredients shine.
This side pairs well with a range of proteins and can be garnished as desired. Using fresh green beans yields the best texture, but frozen or canned beans are workable though less crisp. Optional additions such as toasted nuts or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can be added to customize the flavor and texture.
The recipe notes recommend alternatives if pre-cooked bacon is used, such as adding butter to cook the beans. Toasting nuts or seeds before topping intensifies their flavor and texture. These tips provide flexibility and personal touches for this classic side.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds green beans washed, ends trimmed
- 6 lices Bacon chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
- Fresh green beans provide the best texture; frozen or canned beans can be used but will be less crisp.
- If using pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits, add butter to sauté the green beans to impart flavor.
- For added texture and flavor, garnish with lightly toasted sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Toast nuts or seeds in a dry skillet until just browned to enhance crunch and deepen flavor before adding as garnish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 139 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 139 | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 14mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 154mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 362mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1045IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 18.6mg | 21% |
| Calcium | 56mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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