Green beans with bacon are delicious, topped with some smoky bacon, garlic, and caramelized shallots. A completely irresistible side dish!
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The combination of freshly sauteed beans and crispy smoked bacon just can't be beat! An elegant side dish that’s perfect for a holiday meal or Sunday supper.
Why This Recipe Works
It’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 ingredients—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
- 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!
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..
Recipe Faq's
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.
My Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans has potatoes in it. The additional flavor and texture are so good!
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Green Beans with Bacon
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.
Yay Andrew I'm so happy to hear that:)
I made this and it was delicious. Everyone loved it and wanted the recipe.