Get ready to elevate your side dish game with these 18 mouthwatering green bean recipes featuring crispy, smoky, and oh-so-delicious bacon. Whether you’re a fan of classic Southern-style cooking or more adventurous flavors, we’ve got you covered. From comforting casseroles and skillet dinners to elegant salads and quiches, these savory green bean dishes with bacon are sure to become new family favorites.
In this article, we’ll explore the rich flavor profile of green beans paired with the unmistakable smokiness of bacon. You’ll discover a range of creative ways to incorporate these two ingredients into your cooking routine, from simple and quick weeknight meals to show-stopping main courses and brunch dishes. So go ahead, indulge in the sweet and savory goodness of these green bean recipes with bacon – your taste buds will thank you!
Garlic Butter Green Beans with Crispy Bacon
Elevate your vegetable game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the natural sweetness of green beans, the richness of garlic butter, and the crunch of crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Toss green beans with salt and pepper. Spread on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast green beans for 10-12 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Meanwhile, cook bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add butter and garlic. Cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
7. Toss roasted green beans with garlic butter mixture and crispy bacon. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Savor the flavors of crispy bacon and tender green beans with this easy-to-make side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into thirds
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each green bean with a piece of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
3. Place the bundles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon and Onions
A classic Southern side dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this recipe combines tender green beans with crispy bacon and sweet onions. It’s a perfect accompaniment to your favorite comfort foods.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the green beans, garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until beans start to soften.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, or until green beans are tender.
6. Remove from oven and stir in the cooked bacon and butter until melted.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Bacon Topping
This beloved casserole gets a smoky boost from crispy bacon, elevating its creamy, cheesy goodness to new heights.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 6 slices of bacon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook green beans and onion in boiling water until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, then gradually add milk, whisking constantly.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange cooked green beans in the dish.
7. Pour cheesy sauce over the green beans, followed by 3 slices of crumbled bacon.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Green Bean and Bacon Stir-Fry with Soy Glaze
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of green beans with the smoky savory flavor of bacon, all wrapped up in a sticky soy glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an impressive side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or wok, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. Add the green beans, garlic, and vegetable oil to the same pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and honey.
4. Pour the soy glaze over the green beans and toss to coat.
5. Add the cooked bacon back into the pan and stir-fry for an additional minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Maple-Glazed Green Beans with Candied Bacon
Elevate your green beans game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the natural bitterness of green beans with the richness of candied bacon and a hint of maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder or minced garlic for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the green beans on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and olive oil. Brush the mixture evenly over the green beans.
5. Top each green bean with a slice of candied bacon (see note).
6. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or minced garlic.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Green Bean Salad with Bacon and Balsamic Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of green beans with the smokiness of bacon, all tied together with a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss green beans with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes or until tender.
3. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
5. Add roasted green beans, diced bacon, and minced garlic to the bowl. Toss to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bacon and Green Bean Skillet with Parmesan
A flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Crispy bacon, tender green beans, and nutty Parmesan cheese come together in a delicious skillet dish.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add the olive oil to the same skillet and sauté the green beans for 4-5 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
4. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow-Cooked Green Beans with Smoky Bacon
Elevate your green beans game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the natural sweetness of green beans with the smokiness of bacon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of thick-cut smoky bacon, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add the green beans, garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Stir in the cooked bacon and its drippings into the slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Green Bean and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
These savory bites are perfect for your next gathering or special occasion. The combination of tender mushrooms, crispy bacon, and fresh green beans will surely impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as cremini or portobello)
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup of fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, sauté green beans and garlic until tender.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the bean mixture, crumbled bacon, and grated cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Green Beans with Bacon and Chili Flakes
Elevate your green bean game with this flavorful and spicy recipe that combines crispy bacon, crunchy green beans, and a kick of heat from chili flakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until coated.
4. Spread green beans on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
6. While green beans are roasting, cook chopped bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy.
7. Remove from heat and stir in chili flakes.
8. Once green beans are done, add cooked bacon to the baking sheet and toss with green beans to combine.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Green Bean and Bacon Quiche with Cheddar
This savory quiche is a perfect combination of crispy bacon, tender green beans, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s an excellent brunch or dinner option for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 cups of fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 4 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch tart pan.
3. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Add the green beans, garlic, and cooked bacon to the quiche crust. Toss gently to combine.
5. In a bowl, whisk together the cream, eggs, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the green bean mixture.
6. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the quiche.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Fries with Dipping Sauce
Elevate your snack game with this creative twist on traditional fries – crispy green bean sticks wrapped in smoky bacon and served with a tangy dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into thirds
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Dipping sauce (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together flour, panko breadcrumbs, and paprika.
3. Dip each green bean into the flour mixture, coating evenly.
4. Wrap a piece of bacon around each coated green bean, securing with a toothpick if needed.
5. Place the bacon-wrapped green beans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Dipping Sauce:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Green Bean and Bacon Pasta Alfredo
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and satisfying dish that combines the perfect balance of smoky bacon, crisp green beans, and velvety Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. fettuccine pasta
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, diced
– 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and green beans. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until tender. Add cooked bacon back into the skillet.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
5. Combine cooked pasta, green bean mixture, and Alfredo sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Green Bean and Bacon Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this creamy, savory recipe that combines the best of green beans, crispy bacon, and tender chicken breast. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the green beans and garlic in olive oil until tender.
3. Stuff each chicken breast with the cooked green bean mixture, crumbled bacon, and cream cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Green Bean and Bacon Hash with Fried Eggs
A classic breakfast or brunch option that combines the savory flavors of green beans, crispy bacon, and runny eggs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add the green beans to the same skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes or until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a separate non-stick skillet, fry the eggs sunny-side up.
5. To assemble the hash, place a portion of the cooked green beans on a plate, followed by some crispy bacon bits and a fried egg.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Bean and Bacon Soup with Croutons
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of smoky bacon, tender green beans, and crunchy croutons. A warm and inviting bowl that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– Croutons (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and bacon in butter until softened.
2. Add green beans, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until beans are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a blender to puree partially (leaving some texture).
4. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Heat through but do not boil.
5. Serve hot with croutons on top, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Bean and Bacon Potato Bake
A hearty and flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and fresh green beans in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup of fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, crumbled bacon, green beans, and onion.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
4. Pour the cheese mixture over the potato mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the delicious combination of green beans and crispy bacon! This article features 18 mouth-watering recipes that bring together the tender sweetness of green beans and the savory smokiness of bacon. From classic comfort food dishes like cheesy casseroles and skillet meals, to innovative twists like maple-glazed green beans and stuffed mushrooms, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a bacon lover or just looking for new ways to prepare your favorite veggies, these recipes are sure to delight!
