Let’s face it, vegetables can be boring. But not this version! Some of our other favorite vegetable sides that are anything but boring are Easy Oven Roasted Cauliflower and Traditional German Red Cabbage [Rotkohl]! When it comes to vegetable side dishes, most nights of the week I find it easier to do really simple, plain versions to serve alongside whatever it is we are eating for dinner. This side dish has all the flavors we love from our Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles but with an easy, family-style presentation that’s perfect for weeknights. For a holiday meal or a Sunday dinner or if we are invited to a friend’s house and I’m assigned to bring veggies or a side, this is one of my favorite dishes to serve. There are so many great things going on with the different textures and flavors in this easy vegetable side dish. It’s a great alternative to green bean casserole that is traditionally served at many a Thanksgiving feast if you are looking for something a little lighter.
Why this recipe works
It takes less than 20 minutes to have a vegetable side dish that the whole family will actually want to eat! Not having to remind my kids to “eat their veggies” is always a win in my book! So much better than boring, steamed green beans, or worse, mushy & salty green beans from a can. Bacon – Because everything is better with bacon!
Ingredients
Bacon: You can use thick cut or regular bacon in this recipe. Either works so it’s totally up to personal preference. Green beans: I always make this recipe with fresh green beans for the best flavor and texture. But frozen green beans will also work. I don’t recommend using canned green beans in this recipe. Pine nuts: These are one of my favorite ingredients for salads and sides! They have such a great little crunch and unique flavor! But slivered almonds, chopped pecans, hazelnuts, or walnuts would all work instead.
How to Make It
Start by chopping and cooking the bacon in a large skillet or pan. I find it’s easiest to slice the bacon into pieces when it is partially frozen or at least very cold, then stir it around with a wooden spatula or spoon until crispy rather than frying individual strips and crumbling later. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper plate to drain once it’s crispy. Meanwhile, cook the green beans in a large pot of salted, boiling water just until tender but not soggy. We like them to still have some bite to them. Saute the onion in 2 tablespoons of the reserved bacon grease until softened, then add the garlic for the last 30 seconds. Add the drained green beans to the pan and toss to evenly coat. Add the bacon, pine nuts, and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper, tossing until everything is combined. Adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Recipe Tips
Feel free to experiment with more seasonings! A sprinkle of Creole or cajun seasoning or perhaps an Italian blend of herbs can be a great way to add even more flavor to an already delicious side dish. If you would like to make this slightly healthier, try using turkey bacon in place of regular bacon. Don’t overcook the green beans. We like our beans to still have an al dente texture to them rather than being mushy and overdone. Overcooking also tends to discolor the beans which should still be a vibrant green.
More Vegetable Side Dishes You’ll Love
Oven Roasted Broccoli with Garlic, Parmesan and Lemon Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apples Oven Roasted Asparagus with Garlic, Parmesan, & Lemon Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans
This post was originally published in November, 2016. The photos and content were updated in September, 2021. Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
