Easy Fresh Green Beans with Bacon
A delightful side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed with crispy bacon, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans Choose bright, crisp beans. Frozen works in a pinch.
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon Use a quality brand for the best flavor, turkey bacon is a healthier option.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil A staple that adds richness.
- 1 clove garlic, minced Adds aromatic depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste Enhances overall flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Trim the ends of the fresh green beans, rinse them under cold water and set aside.
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the thick-cut bacon until crispy (about 5-7 minutes).
- Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat and crumble it into bits after a few minutes.
- In the same skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease, add the olive oil and toss in the fresh green beans. Sauté for about 3 minutes until vibrant green.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute) and stirring to prevent burning.
- Add the crumbled bacon back into the skillet, stir well, season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the beans are tender yet crisp.
- Transfer the Easy Fresh Green Beans with Bacon to a serving platter.
Notes
Feel free to add toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch, use red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary for added aroma. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.