Green beans with bacon is a flavorful side dish that will pair well with almost any main dish!

A little bacon, garlic, and some green beans are all that is needed for this easy side. Simply season with salt & pepper and enjoy.

A Savory Side Dish

  • This is a simple side with just 3 ingredients plus salt & pepper.
  • It’s quick and easy to make yet it packs big flavor.
  • The beans are fresh and crisp; perfect served warm or chilled in salads.

Ingredients for Green Beans with Bacon

Green beans – For the best results use fresh green beans for this recipe. Give htem a quick rinse and trim the ends. Frozen or canned beans can also be used, but they will not be as crisp as fresh.

Bacon – Uncooked bacon is the best option for this recipe as the little bit of fat adds flavor and is used in place of oil. If you cook batches of bacon in the oven, reserve some of the pan drippings for the beans (and other dishes).

Garlic – Fresh garlic can burn easily so it is added at the end for flavor and just needs a couple of minutes. You can substitute ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder if it’s all you have on hand.

bacon, green beans, garlic and seasonings on a sheet pan

Variations

This side dish is so delicious as is but you can change it up a bit if you’d like.

  • Fry a little onion in the bacon grease for a few minutes before adding the beans.
  • Sprinkle with a little parmesan cheese.
  • Top with toasted sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or even toasted pine nuts.
  • Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs before serving.
frying bacon in a pan to make Bacon Green Beans

How to Cook Green Beans & Bacon

  1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Remove it from the pan leaving some of the drippings.
  2. Add the green beans and cook until tender-crisp (as per the recipe below).
  3. Add the garlic and the bacon and cook for a little more.

This recipe is best made with raw bacon as the fat is used in place of olive oil. If you have cooked bacon (or real bacon bits) cook them in a bit of butter until crisp and then cook the beans in butter.

Bacon Green Beans cooking in a pan

Leftovers

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well. To reheat simply add to a pan and fry until heated through. They can also be added to this classic green bean casserole.

Great Green Bean Recipes

Did you make these Green Beans with Bacon? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below! 

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4.99 from 55 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Green Beans with Bacon

Tender crisp green beans with smoky bacon make the perfect side dish!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author Holly Nilsson
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Ingredients  

  • 1 ½ to 2 pounds green beans washed, ends trimmed
  • 6 slices raw bacon chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • salt and 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 are the best option, but frozen (or even canned) will do in a pinch. Frozen or canned beans will not be as crisp.
If you only have pre-cooked bacon (or real bacon bits) use a bit of butter to cook the beans.
Options: Garnish with sliced almonds, toasted sunflower seeds, parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Kitchen Tip: If topping these with nuts or seeds, cook them in a dry skillet until they are just barely browned. This intensifies their flavor and makes them extra crunchy.
4.99 from 55 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 139 | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 154mg | Potassium: 362mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1045IU | Vitamin C: 18.6mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1.7mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
sautéed Green Beans with Bacon on a plate with a title
close up of Green Beans with Bacon on a plate with writing
plated Green Beans with Bacon with writing
Green Beans with Bacon in the pan and plated with writing

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. Florence E. says:

    This green bean dish was absolutely delicious! Thank you for sharing!5 stars