This dish combines fresh green beans and crispy bacon for a tasty side that’s hard to resist! The smoky flavor of the bacon makes the beans extra special.
Honestly, who can say no to bacon? It pairs perfectly with the beans, making every bite delightful. I love serving this at dinner—everyone always goes for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans: The star of the dish! Look for vibrant, crunchy beans. If fresh ones aren’t available, you could use frozen. They’re often pre-cooked and just need a quick sauté.
Bacon: This adds great flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey bacon works well. Alternatively, try smoked ham for a different twist.
Garlic: Mince fresh garlic for the best flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can be a substitute, but fresh is always nicer.
Mustard: Whole grain mustard adds a nice kick! If you want a milder flavor, you can skip it or use yellow mustard.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme enhance the dish. If you don’t have fresh, 1/3 the amount of dried herbs would do. I love cooking with them for extra depth!
How Do You Perfectly Blanch Green Beans?
Blanching is an essential step that keeps green beans bright and crisp. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes. They should be bright green and tender-crisp.
- Prepare an ice bath with cold water and ice. As soon as the beans are done, transfer them to the ice bath to stop cooking.
- Once cooled, drain and pat dry. This technique locks in color and keeps the beans crunchy!
Keep in mind that timing is key! Overcooking will lead to mushy beans—nobody wants that!
Green Beans With Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices of bacon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or bacon fat (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp whole grain mustard or Dijon mustard (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes total! You’ll need about 5 minutes for prep and about 10 minutes for cooking. It’s quick, simple, and absolutely delicious, making it perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, carefully add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Drain them and immediately plunge the beans into an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) to stop the cooking. After a few minutes, drain the beans again and set them aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, set the heat to medium and add the bacon slices. Cook them until they’re crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once they’re crispy, remove them from the skillet and let them drain on some paper towels. For extra flavor, keep about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet, and feel free to discard or save the rest!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic into the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, just long enough for it to become fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, or it can taste bitter!
4. Add the Green Beans:
Next, toss the drained green beans into the skillet with the garlic. Stir them around so that they get coated in the bacon fat and garlic goodness! Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally so everything heats evenly.
5. Combine Bacon and Season:
Now it’s time to take that crispy bacon you set aside and crumble it over the green beans. Stir to combine! If you like, add the mustard and fresh herbs at this point. Season with salt and pepper to taste, but remember the bacon is already salty, so go easy on the salt!
6. Heat Through:
Let everything cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes until it’s heated through. Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning if you think it needs it!
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Transfer the green beans with bacon to a serving dish and enjoy while warm. This dish makes a great side for any meal, and the mix of flavors will absolutely delight your taste buds!
Enjoy these delicious green beans with bacon—they’re sure to be a hit at your table!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen green beans! Just make sure to thaw them first by leaving them in the fridge overnight or giving them a quick rinse under cold water. They may require a slightly shorter cooking time since they’re often blanched before freezing.
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
If you want a healthier twist, consider using turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative. You can also reduce the amount of bacon fat by using olive oil instead for sautéing the garlic and beans.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can warm them gently in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the green beans to maintain their crispness!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like sliced bell peppers or onions for added flavor. Just keep in mind that they may need slightly different cooking times, so adjust as necessary!