Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by Allison Lancaster

This classic bacon green beans recipe is simple and quick. Toss the fresh green beans with bacon, salt, and black pepper to create an amazing side dish that goes well with everything.

This bacon green beans recipe is one of our favorite side dishes because it is simple to make and uses basic ingredients that you can easily find in your pantry. Plus, fresh green beans are an excellent addition to your dinner table since they are infused with fiber, vitamin C, and folate.

close up of fresh green beans with bacon in a pan

Why We Love Green Beans With Bacon

Need a go-to side for dinner parties? This recipe is so simple and is a total crowd-pleaser. Not only are they delicious, but the vibrant green color of the fresh green beans catches your eye, and the bacon makes it a flavorful side dish that people love to devour.

Did I mention this recipe is kid-approved? This is one of my kids’ favorite vegetable recipes and a side they crave! Simple to make and my kids will eat them? What is more perfect than that!

Ingredients for Bacon Green Beans

Here is a list of what you will need to make this tasty vegetable side dish:
6 to 8 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces – Cook the fresh bacon until crisp to add a lot of flavor to your beans!
2 (12 ounces) bags of fresh green beans – Fresh beans are crunchy and taste way better than frozen ones.
1 shallot, chopped fine – To add that sweet and delicate taste that is sharper than regular onions.
4 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic takes the flavor and aroma to the next level.
2 tablespoons butter – To give your beans even more flavor and texture.
Salt and black pepper – To taste

fresh bacon green beans recipe ingredients

How to Make Bacon Green Beans

Place a large stock pot filled with water over high heat. Bring to a boil. Add salt to taste.
Add the green beans and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain.
In a large (12 inch) skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove to drain on a paper towel. Carefully remove the excess grease from the skillet.
To the skillet, add the shallot and garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the shallot softens slightly.
Next, add the boiled green beans to the skillet with the butter. Cook over medium heat until the green beans are at desired tenderness.
Voila! Top your beans with crispy bacon and serve!

How to Clean Green Beans?

Wash the green beans thoroughly with cold water. Cut the tails and then into 1-inch pieces. Make sure all of the pieces are the same length, so they cook evenly.

What Should I Serve With Green Beans With Bacon?

I love these green beans with bacon because they go well with everything. You can eat a big bowl all by themselves or serve them with a roast turkey, roast chicken, or these bbq chicken legs.

overview fresh green beans with bacon in a pan

How Do I Store Bacon Green Beans?

If you have leftovers, they will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an air-tight container.

The Full Bacon Green Beans Recipe

The Best Bacon Green Beans Recipe

Yield: 6-8 Servings

This classic green beans with bacon recipe is simple and quick. Toss the fresh green beans with bacon, salt, and black pepper to create an amazing side dish that goes well with everything.

Ingredients

6 to 8 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 (12 ounce) bags fresh green beans
1 shallot, chopped fine
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Place a large stock pot filled with water over high heat. Add salt to taste. Bring to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain.
In a large (12 inch) skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove to drain on paper toweling. Carefully remove the excess grease from the skillet.
To the skillet, add the shallot and garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the shallot begins to soften slightly. Add the boiled green beans to the skillet with the butter. Cook over medium heat until the green beans are at desired tenderness.
Top with bacon and serve.