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Crispy Green Beans with Bacon

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Crispy green beans with bacon is a quick and easy Thanksgiving side dish featuring fresh green beans pan-fried with smoky bacon, garlic, and shallots for maximum flavor and crunch. This crowd-pleasing recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon (about 6 oz), sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional garnish: 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional garnish: 2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds

Instructions

  1. Trim the ends off the green beans. Slice bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. Mince garlic and slice shallot.
  2. Pat green beans dry with a towel to ensure crispiness.
  3. Heat a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat. Add bacon pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden, about 7-10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
  4. If more than 2 tablespoons bacon fat remain in the pan, pour off excess. Add sliced shallot and cook until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  5. Add green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat in bacon fat. Drizzle with olive oil if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring every minute or so, until beans are blistered and crisp-tender, 8-10 minutes.
  7. Return crispy bacon to the pan and toss with beans. If using, add lemon zest, parsley, or almonds. Cook 1 minute more to warm through.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a wide serving plate and serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Notes

For best results, use fresh green beans and dry them thoroughly before cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed for maximum crispiness. You can substitute turkey bacon or make vegetarian by omitting bacon and adding smoked almonds or feta. Keep beans warm in a low oven if making ahead, but serve soon for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: green beans, bacon, Thanksgiving, side dish, crispy, gluten-free, easy, holiday, skillet, vegetables

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/crispy-green-beans-with-bacon-easy-thanksgiving-side-dish-recipe/