These Bacon-Onion Green Beans are a savory and satisfying side dish, perfect for a farmhouse-style meal. The fresh green beans are sautéed with crispy bacon and caramelized onions, adding a smoky and sweet flavor to the beans. This dish is great for holidays, family dinners, or whenever you want a comforting vegetable side with a rich, home-cooked taste. Simple yet delicious, it’s a fantastic way to elevate green beans to a new level of flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the green beans:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Drain the beans and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- Cook the bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sauté the onions:
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- If needed, add a tablespoon of olive oil to help sauté the onions.
- Add the garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine the green beans:
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Toss everything together, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the green beans are warmed through.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Finish with bacon and lemon juice:
- Stir the crispy bacon back into the skillet with the green beans.
- Drizzle with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for a bit of brightness.
- Serve:
- Transfer the Bacon-Onion Green Beans to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.