Green Beans with Bacon and Onion
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Green beans with bacon and onions are made with steamed green beans and onions then tossed in a vinaigrette crispy bacon crumbles. It’s a family favorite that is the perfect side dish for any occasion.
This recipe was originally posted in July 2017, it’s been updated for content and photos.
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This easy green bean recipe is similar to southern green beans which are cooked with bacon in bacon grease. I lightened it up by cooking bacon in the oven and using an olive oil-based vinaigrette to flavor the beans. It’s just as flavorful as the traditional version.
If you are looking for a vegetarian green bean recipe, try our green beans with almonds recipe.
Why you will love Green Beans with Bacon and Onion
- A simple side dish that everyone will love, even picky eaters, because Bacon! Makes everything taste better.
- It’s a healthier way to enjoy green beans and bacon; the green beans are tossed in a vinaigrette made with olive oil, not bacon drippings.
Here is what you will need
This is a brief summary of the ingredients needed to make green beans with bacon and onion and a convenient shopping list from my Instacart affiliate link. For a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the recipe card section.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- Fresh green beans
- Onions
- Bacon
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Vinegar
- Garlic
- Oregano
🥄Equipment
- Frying pan or baking pan to cook the bacon
- Saucepan to cook the beans
- Pairing knife
How to make healthy green beans and bacon
Prepare the ingredients: Chop the onions, clean and trim the fresh beans. Mix up the vinaigrette.
Cook the bacon; I like to cook strips of bacon in the oven in a cast iron skillet, or in a roasting pan, but you can cook it any way that you like to cook your bacon.
STEP 1. Add a little water, just enough to cover the bottom of a medium saucepan. Add the trimmed whole green beans and chopped onion. Cover the pan and cook the green beans over medium-high heat until the water starts to boil. Reduce to medium heat, and cook until beans are tender; about 15 minutes.
STEP 2: Remove the pan from the stove and drain the beans.
STEP 3: Pour the vinaigrette over the green beans.
STEP 4: Once the bacon is cooked drain it from the bacon fat and place it on a paper towel. Once it cools off, crumble it and add it to the green bean mixture in the pan.
Ingredient Notes
The complete list of ingredients to make this recipe is above. Below are notes about some of the ingredients, along with ideas for substitutes.
Green beans – the best beans to use in this recipe are fresh, trimmed, and cut green beans. If they are not available, frozen green beans can be substituted.
If frozen green beans are used to make this recipe, cook them according to the directions on the package. Once the frozen beans are almost cooked, add the onions and let them steam for a few minutes with the beans.
Onion – Any type of onion can be used to make this recipe. My preference is a yellow onion or a white onion. Sometimes I will use red onion to add a little extra color to the dish.
Vinegar – I use apple cider vinegar to make this recipe, it is slightly sweeter than red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar.
Make Ahead Instructions
This recipe is an easy recipe to prepare up to 3 days ahead of time, here is how:
Cook the bacon, clean and trim the green beans, do not cook them. Store all of the ingredients separately in the refrigerator.
Just before serving, steam the green beans and onions, mix up the dressing, and put it all together.
Recipe variations
Try making different variations of green beans and bacon, here are some suggestions:
Green beans bacon and potatoes – Stir in 1/2 cup diced, cooked potatoes to the pan with the bacon.
Green beans bacon and tomatoes – Add 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes to the pan. Stir until they are heated through.
Add fresh herbs – Sprinkle the green beans with chopped fresh herbs.
Green beans shallots and bacon – Replace the onions with chopped shallots.
Spicy green beans – Add up to a teaspoon to taste of red pepper flakes.
Tip
- Don’t overcook the beans. They should be crisp-tender or tender and not mushy.
How to store leftovers
Store leftover green beans and bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Enjoy them cold or heat them up on top of the stove or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
These tasty green beans and bacon with grilled chicken, meatloaf, chicken murphy, pork chops or steak.
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Find process photos and variations in the blog post:
Green Beans and BaconIngredients
- 2 slices of bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 pound green beans trimmed
- 1 small onion sliced thin
- 1/4 cup water approximately
Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Drain the water from the beans and onions.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
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Those tender green beans, onions, bacon, vinaigrette. Summer goodness in one bowl.
That vinaigrette is such a yummy way to make green beans extra special! I am loving this!
What a great way to jazz up summer green beans! These look so flavorful and the bacon is a perfect addition.
Green beans are our favorite vegetable – and you made them even better by adding bacon!