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Crispy Garlic Butter Green Beans with Bacon

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A quick and easy Thanksgiving side dish featuring crisp green beans tossed in garlicky butter and smoky bacon bits. This crowd-pleasing recipe delivers comfort food vibes with vibrant flavor and irresistible crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
  • 5 slices bacon, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and trim green beans. Chop bacon into small pieces. Mince garlic.
  2. Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. Blanch green beans for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer immediately to ice water to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pan.
  4. Add butter to the skillet with bacon fat. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
  5. Increase heat to medium-high. Add drained green beans and toss to coat in garlic butter. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans develop char and crispy edges.
  6. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Return crispy bacon to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes. If using Parmesan, sprinkle over beans and let melt slightly.
  7. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Blanching and shocking beans in ice water keeps them crisp. Cook bacon first to use drippings for flavor. For vegetarian, skip bacon and use mushrooms or nuts. Make ahead by prepping beans and bacon, then sautéing before serving. Reheat leftovers in a skillet for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: green beans, bacon, garlic butter, Thanksgiving side, easy side dish, holiday recipe, vegetable, skillet, crispy, comfort food

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/crispy-garlic-butter-green-beans-with-bacon-easy-thanksgiving-side/