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Green Beans with Bacon

Green beans with bacon are delicious, topped with some smoky bacon, garlic, and caramelized shallots. A completely irresistible side dish!

Close up photo of green beans and bacon in a skillet.


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The combination of freshly sauteed beans and crispy smoked bacon just can't be beat! An elegant side dish thatโ€™s perfect for a holiday meal or Sunday supper.

Why This Recipe Works

Itโ€™s a one-pan flavorful dish that delivers a lot of satisfaction without requiring advanced techniques or a lengthy ingredient list like my Pan Fried Asparagus. Using only a handful of ingredientsโ€”green beans, bacon, and basic seasonings like garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Perfect for busy families!

Green beans cook quickly, and bacon can be prepared in just a few minutes, keeping the overall cooking time short.

Ingredients got green beans and bacon

  • Green beans: I recommend using fresh green beans but frozen or canned can also be used but they won't be as crisp.
  • Bacon: I like to use smokey thick-cut bacon.
  • Garlic: fresh minced is always recommended.
  • Shallots: Thinly sliced sweet onions can also be used.


How to Make Green Beans and Bacon

Four process photos. First one, fresh cooked green beans in a bowl of ice water. Second one, bacon piences cooked in a skillet. Third one, sliced shallots cooking in bacon grease. Fourth one, green beans, bacon and shallots all tossed together in the skillet.

  • Step 1: Simmer green beans in a pot of water until tender. Drain and add then to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
  • Step 2: Heat a medium skillet on medium-high heat and cook the bacon until crispy and remove to a paper towel to drain.
  • Step 3: Add the sliced shallots to the skillet and saute until tender.
  • Step 4: Add the green beans back into the skillet along with the bacon, season with salt and pepper and serve!

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Green beans and bacon in a skillet with a fork picking up a bite.

Recipe Tips

  • I cut these in half, sometimes thirds if they are long for even cooking..
  • I use thick-cut smokey bacon but pancetta is also a great choice.
  • The water bath stops with the cooking process so the green beans are still a little firm.
  • Use a 10-12 inch skillet so the beans aren't crowded..

 

Green beans with bacon and caramelized onion in a white bowl.

Recipe Faq's

Can I use frozen green beans?

Fresh is best here but you could use frozen green beans in this recipe. Just make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry with a paper towel to remove excess water.

Can I add a potato?

My Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans has potatoes in it. The additional flavor and texture are so good!

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Green beans and bacon all in a skillet with a wooden spoon on the side.

Green Beans with Bacon

4.42 from 12 votes
Written By: Wendie
Green beans with bacon are delicious, topped with some smoky bacon, garlic and caramelized shallots . A completely irresistable side dish!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 67

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pound fresh green beans trimmed and cut in half
  • 5 slices thick cut bacon I use applewood or cherrywood bacon
  • 1 large shallot thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic cut into thin slices
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the green beans and simmer for about 4 minutes. Drain them into an ice bath to stop the cooking. Then drain into a colander.
  • Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat add bacon and cook until crisp, about 6 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove to a paper towel to drain.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and add sliced shallots to the bacon grease, and saute for 3-4 minutes. Stirring frequently so it doesn't burn.
  • Add drained green beans into the pan with the cooked bacon and minced garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes to warm through and cook the garlic.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Video

Notes

Pancetta can be used in place of bacon.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 67kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 4gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 169mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g
Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!
Course Sides
Cuisine American
4.42 from 12 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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