Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans Recipe

Introduction

This brown sugar bacon green beans recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it a wonderful side dish for any meal. Crisp green beans are coated in a buttery glaze with crispy bacon and a touch of brown sugar for added richness. It’s quick to prepare and sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 6 slices Bacon (cooked until crispy)
• 2 lbs. Fresh Green Beans
• 3 Tablespoons Butter
• 1/2 Onion (finely diced)
• 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (depending on sweetness preference)
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Blanch the green beans by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add trimmed green beans and boil for 2-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and keep their color. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate and cut into bite-size pieces, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Step 3: Add butter to the skillet with bacon grease and melt over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft and golden brown, about 9-12 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
4. Step 4: Add blanched green beans and cooked bacon to the skillet. Toss together with onions and garlic. Sprinkle brown sugar over the top and stir until the green beans are well-coated and the sugar has melted into a glaze, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Transfer the green beans to a serving dish. To keep warm, cover with foil and place in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your preferred level of sweetness to make it more or less sweet.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and garlic.
• Use turkey bacon or pancetta as a substitute if you prefer a different type of cured meat.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the green beans crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking. The blanching step may be shorter since frozen beans are typically pre-cooked.

How do I prevent the brown sugar from burning?

Keep the heat to medium or medium-low when adding the brown sugar and stir frequently. This helps the sugar melt into a glaze without burning or becoming too sticky.

Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 81 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans recipe combines crisp-tender green beans with savory crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar glaze, and aromatic sautéed onions and garlic. It’s a delicious, easy-to-make side dish perfect for any meal, bringing a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and buttery flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 6 slices Bacon (cooked until crispy)
• 2 lbs. Fresh Green Beans (trimmed)
• 3 Tablespoons Butter
• 1/2 Onion (finely diced)
• 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (depending on sweetness preference)
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Salt

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Instructions

1. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the trimmed green beans. Boil for 2-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender, taking care not to overcook them. Drain and immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side depending on your preferred crispiness. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, cut the bacon into bite-size pieces, keeping the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the butter to the skillet with bacon grease and let it melt over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until soft and golden brown, about 9-12 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add Green Beans, Bacon, and Brown Sugar: Add the blanched green beans and cooked bacon to the skillet, tossing them together with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the mixture and stir until the green beans are well coated and the sugar melts into a glossy glaze, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve and Keep Warm: Transfer the glazed green beans to a serving dish. To keep them warm until serving, cover the dish with foil and place in a 200°F oven.

Notes

• Blanching the green beans helps retain their bright green color and crisp texture.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your desired level of sweetness.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon to keep excess grease from making the dish too oily.
• For a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar to 1/4 cup or omit it entirely.
• If you prefer, you can substitute butter with olive oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
• To keep green beans warm longer, you can use a warming tray or slow cooker on low instead of an oven.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: brown sugar green beans, bacon green beans, sautéed green beans, sweet and savory side dish, easy green bean recipe, holiday green beans