Brown Sugar and Bacon Green Beans bring a delightful twist to your dinner table in just 25 minutes. Crisp green beans meet smoky bacon and a caramelized brown sugar glaze, creating a harmony of sweet, savory, and salty flavors. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, balanced by the rich, melt-in-your-mouth bacon and a hint of buttery sweetness. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish is as easy to make as it is delicious.
With only 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, this recipe delivers a side dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. The vibrant green beans stay tender-crisp, while the bacon adds a smoky depth and irresistible texture. A touch of brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, adding a glossy finish and a hint of warmth. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with any main course, making it a must-try for anyone who loves bold, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients for Brown Sugar and Bacon Green Beans
- 6 bacon strips (preferably thick-cut for more flavor)
- ¼ cup butter (unsalted preferred; can substitute with margarine)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed for accurate measurement)
- 16 ounces frozen green beans (or fresh green beans, if available)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt (can substitute with garlic powder and a pinch of salt)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Brown Sugar and Bacon Green Beans
- In a large skillet, fry the 6 bacon strips over medium heat until cooked but not crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Drain off the excess grease from the skillet.
- To the same skillet, add the ¼ cup butter and ¼ cup brown sugar. Stir in the crumbled bacon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the brown sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture is slightly caramelized, about 2Inner-3 minutes.
- If using steamable frozen green beans, follow the package instructions to steam them. If using fresh green beans, place them in a pot with about 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a boil, then cover the pot with a lid. Steam the beans over medium heat for about 5-8 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp.
- Once the green beans are cooked, drain any remaining water and season them with ¼ teaspoon garlic salt.
- Add the sugar and bacon mixture to the green beans and stir until the beans are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your delicious Brown Sugar and Bacon Green Beans!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These Brown Sugar and Bacon Green Beans are a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or holiday ham for a sweet and savory combo. For a complete meal, add a side of garlic mashed potatoes or buttery cornbread to round out the flavors.
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a deeper, richer sweetness. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bacon and sugar mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the green beans for asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Quick Tips for Time-Saving Success
To save time, cook the bacon in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. If you’re using fresh green beans, trim and wash them the night before. For an even faster prep, opt for pre-cooked bacon and microwave-steamable green beans—just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Storage and Reheating Made Easy
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the green beans in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon soggy. For best results, add a splash of water or broth to keep the beans moist.
Equipment You’ll Need
This recipe is simple and requires minimal equipment. A large skillet is essential for cooking the bacon and mixing the sauce. If steaming fresh green beans, a medium-sized pot with a lid will do the trick. Don’t forget a slotted spoon for draining the bacon grease and a wooden spoon for stirring the sugar mixture!
Brown Sugar and Bacon Green Beans
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 16 ounces frozen green beans or fresh, 1 bag
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- In a large skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until done (but not quite crisp).
- Drain off grease and crumble the bacon.
- Add butter and brown sugar to skillet and add the crumbled bacon back in. Cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat until the brown sugar has dissolved.
- Steam the Green Beans in the bag if they are steamable, otherwise place the green beans in a pot and fill with about 1 inch of water. Bring water to a boil and then place the lid on the pot.
- Steam the beans over medium heat until cooked through, about 5-8 minutes.
- Drain the water from the beans, season with garlic salt, and stir in the sugar and bacon mixture.
- Serve immediately.