Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans

This recipe for brown sugar bacon green beans brings a sweet and savory twist to traditional green beans with the addition of crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a buttery brown sugar glaze. This easy side dish is perfect for holiday dinners, Thanksgiving or as a crowd pleasing side dish, adding just the right amount of richness to fresh green beans while keeping them fresh and crisp-tender.

Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it is side dish week here on Modern Honey, I am sharing some of my favorite side dish recipes. My homemade green bean casserole is always a hit and I also share my green beans with caramelized onions recipe. Now it is time to share the perfect sweet and savory green beans recipe.

I love finding creative ways to eat vegetables…and to get my kids to eat vegetables! These Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans have the perfect salty sweet balance with the crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, fresh green beans, and savory caramelized onions and garlic. With only having 6 ingredients in this green beans recipe, it is a powerhouse of flavor.

Bacon Green Beans Ingredients:

This recipe calls for only 6 ingredients (plus salt and pepper) and is so easy to throw together. It pairs so well with grilled chicken or grilled steak.

• Fresh Green Beans
• Butter
• Onion
• Garlic
• Brown Sugar
• Bacon
• Salt and Pepper

How to make Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans:

It is so easy to make these Brown Sugar Bacon Green Beans with Sauteed Onions and Garlic.

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. Boil under the beans are fork tender but not soggy.
   • Drain and immediately transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and keep their vibrant color. Once cooled, drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on how crispy you like your bacon. I like my bacon to be crispy so I usually cook a little longer.
   • Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
   • To the skillet with bacon grease, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and golden brown, about 9-12 minutes.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4. Add Green Beans, Bacon, and Brown Sugar
   • Add the blanched green beans and cooked bacon to the skillet, tossing them with the onions and garlic.
   • Sprinkle the 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. Serve and Keep Warm
   • Transfer the green beans to a serving dish. To keep them warm, cover them with foil and keep in a 200 degree oven until ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions about making Green Beans with Brown Sugar and Bacon:

1. How Do I Trim Fresh Green Beans?
Trimming green beans is easy. Simply line up a small bunch, trim off the stem end, and repeat with the remaining beans. For an even faster method, try snapping off the ends by hand.

2. Can I Use Frozen Green Beans?
Yes! To use frozen green beans, allow them to thaw and pat them dry before cooking. This will prevent extra moisture in the skillet and ensure they cook evenly.

3. How Do I Keep Green Beans Warm for Serving?
To keep them warm, place the green beans in a 200 degree oven, covered with foil. This will keep them warm without overcooking them. Another option is to place them in a slow cooker on the warm setting if serving buffet-style or for Thanksgiving.

4. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Bacon?
Yes! Pre-cooked bacon can save time. Just chop it and add it to the skillet with the onions and garlic to let it warm up and combine with the flavors.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Add a Crunch with Almonds: For a bit of crunch, add slivered or sliced almonds or toasted pecans during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Add some spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
• Use Maple Syrup: Substitute the brown sugar with 3 tablespoons of real maple syrup. It’s a great way to add a natural sweetness without refined sugar.

Popular Side Dish Recipes:

Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Perfect Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Southwest Creamed Corn