This recipe for Green Beans with Bacon is a simple side that brings together tender green beans, crispy bacon and garlic. Fresh green beans are steamed until they're perfectly tender and bright in color, then tossed with smoky bacon and a little crunch from sliced almonds.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual family meals or even a holiday meal, these delicious green beans go great with roasted chicken, fish or just about anything on your dinner table.
With simple ingredients and big flavor this is the kind of dish you'll come back to again and again.If you are looking for more side dish recipes, check out our: Simple Burrata Risotto, Roasted Portobello Mushrooms or Gouda Mac and Cheese.
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick: While the green beans steam, the bacon cooks in the skillet, so the whole dish comes together in just minutes. It is a perfect side dish for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The smoky and salty bacon and garlic make these green beans anything but plain. They're full of flavor without any extra fuss.
- Versatile: These green beans pair well with a wide range of main dishes. From roasted chicken to fish or pork, this recipe works for everyday meals as well as holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this green beans with bacon recipe:
- Green beans
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture. It crisps up nicely without burning and adds the best smoky flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic will give you the best flavor.
- Salt & black pepper
- Almonds: Sliced almonds will be best.
See recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
Let's make this easy side dish together!
- Step 1: Fill a large pot with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket in the pot and add the green beans. Cover with a lid and steam for 5-7 minutes, until the beans are bright green and just tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel lined plate. Let cool slightly, then dice.
- Step 3: In the same skillet with a little bacon fat remaining, add the minced garlic, salt and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the steamed green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the garlic and seasoning.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the green beans with the diced bacon and sliced almonds. Serve warm and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this delicious side dish.
- Almonds: Swap the sliced almonds for pecans, walnuts or even hazelnuts.
- Bacon: Swap the bacon for diced pancetta or turkey bacon.
- Garlic: Use shallots or onions for a milder, sweeter taste.
- Additions: Add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving. Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Top Tips
Here are some expert tips to make this easy green beans recipe:
- Watch the green beans: Keep an eye on them while steaming so they keep their vibrant green color and are just tender, not mushy.
- Prep ahead: Dice the bacon and slice the almonds ahead of time to make this dish even quicker on busy nights.
- Add a little zing: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give the dish a bright and slightly spicy touch.
FAQ
Yes, you can steam the green beans and cook the bacon a few hours in advance, then store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, quickly reheat the beans in the skillet with garlic and toss everything together. This keeps the beans fresh and the bacon crispy.
Frozen green beans will work, but the texture won't be quite as crisp as fresh. Just thaw them first and steam or microwave briefly before adding them to the skillet with the garlic and bacon.
Absolutely! Skip the bacon and cook the garlic in olive oil or butter instead. For extra flavor and crunch, you can double the almonds or add toasted pecans or walnuts.
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this recipe:
The Best Green Beans with Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Steam the green beans: Fill a large pot with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place a steamer basket in the pot and add the green beans. Cover with a lid and steam for 5-7 minutes, until the beans are bright green and just tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Let cool slightly, then dice.
- Season the beans: In the same skillet with a little of the bacon fat remaining, add the garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the steamed green beans back to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic and seasoning.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the green beans with the diced bacon and sliced almonds. Serve warm.
Notes
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this vegetable side dish:- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Storage: It's best not to freeze this dish, as the green beans can lose their texture once thawed.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this great side dish. You can find all of these products on Amazon.- Large pot: A large pot is essential for steaming the green beans until they're tender and bright.
- Large skillet: A large skillet is perfect for crisping up the bacon and tossing with the green beans.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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