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Dreamy Bacon Beans

Featured in Dinner Solutions You'll Love.

Ditch the standard casserole and get these buttery green beans on the table! Cooked in smoky bacon fat, then coated in cheesy parmesan cream, they're topped with crunchy bacon for an unforgettable side everyone will talk about.

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Hannah Author
Updated on Wed, 26 Mar 2025 13:53:43 GMT
Close-up of tender green beans with bacon bits in creamy sauce. Pin it
Close-up of tender green beans with bacon bits in creamy sauce. | recipesbyhannah.com

I came up with this hearty green bean creation when I needed something extraordinary for our weekend family meals. Now I turn to it whenever plain steamed veggies just won't cut it. The velvety sauce and complex tastes make it ideal for special occasions or times when you're in the mood for something truly satisfying.

Green Beans With Extra Flair

This goes way beyond your standard light vegetable option. It's velvety, indulgent and downright luxurious. When you're looking to give your dinner that wow factor, this is the dish that'll have folks reaching for more helpings.

Your Ingredients

  • Stock: Grab veggie or chicken, whatever's in your kitchen
  • Parmesan: Don't use pre-grated stuff, the freshly grated kind melts into the sauce way better
  • Cream: This transforms everything into pure deliciousness
  • Garlic: Don't even think about using powder, only fresh will do
  • Bacon: Those fat drippings are pure magic and the crunchy pieces add amazing texture
  • Fresh Green Beans: Look for firm, vibrant ones as they'll absorb the flavors wonderfully

Cooking Steps

Final Touch
Add those bacon bits back in with a bit more cheese
Make it Creamy
Add the cream and parmesan and watch as it becomes thick and shiny
Add Some Steam
Pour stock in, put the lid on and let everything soften up
Layer the Flavors
Sauté the garlic in that bacon goodness then add your fresh beans
Get That Bacon Going
Fry until it's nice and crunchy and keep all that tasty fat
Prep Your Beans
Snip the ends off and cut them to your liking
A close-up of green beans topped with crispy bacon and coated in a creamy sauce. Pin it
A close-up of green beans topped with crispy bacon and coated in a creamy sauce. | recipesbyhannah.com

How To Enjoy

These beans taste amazing next to a nice roasted chicken during family dinners. They're fancy enough for Thanksgiving tables but can also become a complete meal when paired with some pasta or mashed cauliflower. You'll definitely be sharing this recipe with everyone who tries it.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do you start bacon in a cold skillet?

Cooking bacon in a cold skillet lets the fat slowly melt as it heats up. This gives you more flavor for cooking and makes the bacon super crispy.

→ Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Sure, you can cook the bacon and prepare the green beans beforehand. Then, just make the sauce fresh and mix everything together right before serving. Keep in mind, reheating might thicken the sauce a bit.

→ When are the green beans ready?

Your beans are ready when they're bright green and have a bit of crunch left. Bite through easily but keep that slight snap—they'll finish cooking in the creamy sauce.

→ What about frozen beans?

Fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch. Make sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry. They cook faster since they're already partially cooked.

→ What's a good swap for heavy cream?

Light cream or evaporated milk are good options. If it turns out thinner than you'd like, just mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in to thicken.

Creamy Bacon Beans

Crisp green beans cooked with rich bacon drippings and folded into a creamy parmesan mix. Add crunchy bacon on top for a standout side dish.

Prep Time
13 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Western

Yield: 5 Servings (5)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 A cup of heavy cream.
02 Freshly cracked black pepper.
03 Half a cup of finely shredded parmesan cheese.
04 Half a cup of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth.
05 About 500g (1lb) of green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces and ends trimmed.
06 Two garlic cloves, minced finely.
07 150g (5oz) of streaky bacon, chopped into bits.

Instructions

Step 01

Place the bacon into a cold pan. Turn up the heat to high, letting it cook for 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden. Use a slotted spoon to take it out.

Step 02

Keep 1.5 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan and toss out the extra.

Step 03

In the same pan, cook the garlic for 10-15 seconds until it’s lightly golden.

Step 04

Pour the trimmed green beans into the pan. Mix them around in the drippings to coat.

Step 05

Pour in the broth, cover the pan, and let it cook for 3 minutes. Beans should be tender but still vibrant green when done.

Step 06

Add the parmesan, heavy cream, and black pepper to the beans. Stir and gently cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken.

Step 07

Check if it needs more salt, then spoon the mixture into a serving bowl. Scatter the cooked bacon over the top before serving.

Notes

  1. Evaporated milk or light cream works as a substitute for heavy cream.
  2. Starting bacon in a cold pan pulls out more fat as it cooks.
  3. The sauce will get even thicker as it cools.
  4. Serve with pasta or rice if you'd like to make it a hearty main dish.
  5. Simmer for an extra 1-2 minutes if you want a thicker sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big pan with a lid.
  • A slotted spoon for scooping.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (parmesan, cream).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 358
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
  • Protein: 11 g