Description
Looking for an easy dinner side dish that’s packed with flavor and impossible to resist? These Crack Green Beans are the answer. Sweet, savory, buttery, and loaded with crispy bacon, they’re everything you want in a comfort food side—quick to make, minimal cleanup, and full of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday feasts, this easy recipe transforms simple green beans into a crowd-pleasing favorite. If you’re on the hunt for quick side dish ideas, easy recipes, or crave-worthy dinner ideas, this one’s for you. With every bite, you’ll taste just how addictive green beans can be!
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed (or thawed frozen green beans)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and trim green beans; pat dry if using frozen.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the green beans and sauté for 6–8 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Add butter, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until everything melts into a glaze that coats the beans.
- Return bacon to the skillet, toss everything together, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes