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Tasty Green Beans with Bacon

Category: Dinner

First chop and cook the bacon until it’s nice and crunchy, then put it aside. Use that bacon grease to cook fresh green beans until they’re a bit tender. Mix in butter, minced garlic, and some onion and garlic powders, plus crushed red pepper flakes for a cozy spicy flavor. Add salt and pepper to make the taste just right. Stir the crispy bacon back in and, if you want, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese for a creamy twist. Top with fresh parsley for color and freshness. If you want it spicier or milder, change how much crushed red pepper you use. For a meat-free option, swap bacon for olive oil and skip the cheese. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens it all up, making this a speedy and tasty side.

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Dana
Recipe Created By Dana
Last updated on Sun, 30 Nov 2025 18:42:56 GMT
Green beans with bacon bits. Save
Green beans with bacon bits. | chefsnaps.com

Crunchy green beans mixed with smoky bacon, fresh garlic, and a little spicy zip make this Crack Green Beans dish a side you’ll want often. It’s quick to throw together and full of tasty layers that bring a great crunch and flavor to your meal.

I came across this dish when I wanted something tasty but simple. It quickly became a favorite that everyone asks for whenever I make it.

What You'll Need

How To Cook

Green beans with bacon and cheese.
Green beans with bacon and cheese. | chefsnaps.com

One of the best parts is letting the bacon fat and butter mix with the spices. It creates a tasty combo that makes everyone want seconds.

Storage Advice

Swap It Up

Great Food Friends

Seasonal Twists

Green beans with bacon and seasoning.
Green beans with bacon and seasoning. | chefsnaps.com

This dish nails a great mix of bold flavor and easy prep. Enjoy the crunch of green beans with smoky bacon every time you make it.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ What’s the trick to getting green beans crispy?

Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crunchy, then fry the green beans in the bacon fat. That way they get more crunch and flavor. Don’t stuff the pan too full so they cook evenly.

→ Can I make this without bacon?

Absolutely. Just leave out the bacon and use olive oil instead of bacon fat. The garlic, butter, and spices still make it taste great.

→ How spicy is this side?

The crushed red pepper flakes bring a gentle to medium heat. Use less if you want just a little warmth or add more for a bigger kick.

→ Do I have to add Parmesan cheese?

Nope, it’s totally up to you. Parmesan gives a creamy, salty note but the bacon, garlic, and spices already pack plenty of flavor.

→ How long should the green beans cook?

Cook green beans for about 5 minutes until they soften a bit, then stir in the seasonings and cook another 3-5 minutes until tender but still crisp.

→ Got any tips to make it taste brighter?

A quick squeeze of lemon juice right at the end really lifts the flavors and balances out the richness from bacon and butter.

Bacon Garlic Beans

Green beans cooked with bacon, garlic, butter, and some spice for a quick tasty side.

Preparation Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Recipe Created By: Dana

Type of Recipe: Dinner

Cooking Skill Level: Simple for Beginners

Cuisine Style: American

Serving Amount: 4 Number of Servings (4 servings)

Dietary Options: Suitable for Low-Carb Diets, Free From Gluten

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Meat

01 4 strips bacon, diced

→ Vegetables

02 Trimmed fresh green beans, about 450 grams

→ Herbs and Spices

03 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 Salt and black pepper, as you like
06 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (to sprinkle on top)
08 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

→ Dairy

09 30 grams Parmesan cheese, grated (if you'd like)
10 45 grams unsalted butter

Detailed Preparation Steps

Step 01

Take the skillet off the heat and throw some chopped parsley over everything before serving.

Step 02

If wanted, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top and wait for it to melt into the warm beans.

Step 03

Put the crisp bacon back into the pan and stir to spread it through all the beans.

Step 04

Add salt and pepper to your taste. Keep cooking the beans for 3 to 5 minutes until they’re as soft as you like.

Step 05

Put butter, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes in the pan. Cook it for 2 to 3 minutes until you can smell all the flavors.

Step 06

Put the green beans into the pan with the bacon fat and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to get tender.

Step 07

Use a slotted spoon to scoop the bacon out. Let it drain on paper towels but keep the fat in the pan.

Step 08

Fry the chopped bacon over medium heat in a big pan until it’s crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 09

Give those green beans a good wash and chop off the ends.

Helpful Tips

  1. You can tweak how spicy it is by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.
  2. Skip the bacon and cook with olive oil to make it vegetarian.
  3. A little lemon juice right before eating adds a nice fresh kick.

Essential Kitchen Tools

  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Big skillet

Allergy Information

Always check labels for allergens and reach out to a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has dairy like butter and Parmesan and pork from bacon.

Nutrition Information (Per Portion)

Nutrition facts are provided for reference and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fat Content: 25 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 15 grams
  • Protein Content: 15 grams