Name: Old Fashioned Green Beans and Bacon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1-1½ pounds (450-600g) fresh green beans, (trimmed); 5-6 slices thick-cut bacon, (chopped); 5-6 cloves garlic, (sliced); ½ onion, (chopped); 1-2 teaspoons (4-9g) Creole seasoning; salt and pepper (to taste); Parmesan ((optional))

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Old Fashioned Green Beans and Bacon are super easy to prepare with fresh green beans, bacon bits, and garlic. This guaranteed crowd-pleaser with simple ingredients comes together in no time, adding a fresh flavor to your next holiday meal or weeknight dinner.

Green Beans with Bacon in a red skillet being served with tongs

If green bean casserole has been the star of your holiday meals lately, and you’re ready to mix things up, why not try this simple yet ultra-satisfying side? Trust me, even the kids won’t say no to these crunchy, bacony green beans!

Green beans and bacon topped with freshly grated Parmesan

Time-Saving Tips for Green Beans and Bacon

These green beans are so delish you won’t believe how quickly they come together. If you’re prepping them the day of your meal, they only take 15 minutes from start to finish! That said, you can save even more time by making them a day ahead of time.

To do so, simply boil the green beans and cook the bacon one day ahead. (You can even make a big batch of bacon using this oven-baked bacon recipe; no flipping required.) Let them cool, then store them in the fridge separately in airtight containers. Reserve a few tablespoons of bacon fat, too!

On the day of the feast, simply saute the garlic and onion in your reserved bacon grease. Then add the bacon and green beans to the pan and stir until heated through. It only takes a few minutes, and voila! The green beans are ready. 🙌

How to Make Old Fashioned Green Beans and Bacon

Blanch the green beans, fry the bacon, and saute the onions

Blanch Green Beans – Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add green beans and let them cook for 4-5 minutes. Remove them from the water and place them in ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside. You can do this step in advance, then refrigerate the green beans until ready to serve the dish to save time. (Photos 1-2)
Bacon – Place a saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat on the stove, then add the bacon, sauteing until crispy (6-7 minutes). Remove all but 2-3 tablespoons of the bacon grease. You can always leave more if you wish. (Photo 3)
Saute – Next, saute the sliced garlic and onion for 2 minutes. Then add green beans and Creole seasoning. Continue stirring for 3-5 minutes. (Photos 4-6)
Serve – Remove everything from the heat and top with parmesan cheese. Dig in and enjoy!

A skillet full of freshly cooked green beans and bacon

Tips and Tricks

Cook the green beans until barely tender but still with a little crisp so they don’t end up soggy. You want them to retain a little bit of crunch. Another option is to blanch your green beans ahead and freeze them for a fast dinner side.
Technically, you can use canned or frozen green beans in this recipe, but fresh ones have the very best flavors and textures. However, don’t miss out on this goodness because you only have frozen or canned green beans. Drain if canned and add them at the end so they don’t overcook.
Don’t discard all the wonderful bacon drippings. Leave a tablespoon or two in the pan, as this is a good replacement for butter and oil for sauteing. Save the rest for making eggs.

Main Courses That Love Green Beans and Bacon

Serve this as a side to sausage and potatoes with bacon gravy or slow-cooker leg of lamb for a merrier and chunkier holiday meal! A tall glass of refreshing pineapple passionfruit lemonade and a classic Southern dessert are always welcome.

More Sensational Side Dishes to Try

By Imma