Maple Bacon Green Beans are a good choice when you want something a little different from plain steamed green beans without spending much extra time in the kitchen.
The combination of crispy bacon, garlic, and a small amount of pure maple syrup gives this easy side dish a sweet and savory flavor that goes well with all kinds of main courses.
You only need 30 minutes, and most of the cooking happens in a large skillet. Boiling the green beans briefly before adding them to the skillet helps them stay tender-crisp instead of turning soft.
A colander makes draining them easy before you finish cooking.
These green beans are especially nice for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner when you want a vegetable side that doesn’t require oven space. They’re also simple enough to serve with pork chops, roasted chicken, or meatloaf during the week.
The maple syrup is kept to just two tablespoons for the entire recipe, so the beans aren’t overly sweet. You still get plenty of bacon flavor, and the garlic gives the dish a little extra seasoning without making it complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bacon Green Beans Recipe
Ready in 30 Minutes
You can prepare this side dish in about half an hour. It’s a convenient option when you’re already cooking the main course and don’t want another time-consuming recipe.
A Good Alternative to Green Bean Casserole
If you prefer green beans without a creamy sauce, this is worth trying. The beans stay tender-crisp, and you still get plenty of flavor from the bacon and maple glaze.
Only Two Tablespoons of Maple Syrup
You don’t need much maple syrup to give the beans a little sweetness. The amount is enough to balance the salty bacon without making the dish taste sugary.
No Oven Space Needed
Everything cooks on the stovetop, which is especially helpful when the oven is occupied with a turkey, ham, or other holiday dishes.
Works with Everyday Dinners
These green beans aren’t limited to special occasions. Serve them with grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, meatloaf, or baked ham.
Made with Fresh Green Beans
Fresh beans hold their texture well during cooking. They also give the finished dish a nice contrast to the crisp pieces of bacon.
Ingredient Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans
Frozen whole green beans can be substituted. Thaw and drain them first, and reduce the initial cooking time since frozen beans are usually blanched before freezing.
Bacon
Turkey bacon can be used instead of regular bacon. Add a little olive oil to the skillet if needed, since turkey bacon produces less fat.
Pure Maple Syrup
Honey can replace the maple syrup in the same amount. It will give the beans a slightly different sweetness.
Fresh Garlic
Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder in place of the two fresh garlic cloves. Add it with the other seasonings rather than cooking it in the bacon drippings.
Salt
Reduce or omit the added salt if you’re using particularly salty bacon. You can always season the beans after tasting.
Black Pepper
Freshly cracked black pepper can be used for a slightly stronger pepper flavor.
Water
Low-sodium chicken broth can replace the water for a little additional savory flavor.
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Maple Bacon Green Beans
Recipes are written with one action per step for accessibility. Short lines. Fewer rereads. A calmer kitchen on mobile or desktop.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds fresh green beans trimmed
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the green beans and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Drain the green beans in a colander and set aside.
- Place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp.
- Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Add the green beans, maple syrup, water, salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat evenly.
- Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are heated through and lightly glazed.
- Return the bacon to the skillet and toss to distribute evenly.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Keep the Beans Crisp – Avoid overcooking during the initial boiling. They will continue cooking in the skillet. Watch the Garlic – Garlic burns quickly in hot bacon drippings. Keep it moving and reduce the heat if necessary. Use Real Maple Syrup – Pure maple syrup gives the best flavor. Pancake syrup is usually sweeter and won’t taste quite the same. Adjust the Bacon Drippings – Leave about one tablespoon in the skillet. Too much can make the finished beans greasy. Prepare Ahead – Trim the green beans and chop the bacon a day ahead to save preparation time. Serve Soon After Cooking – The beans have the best texture when served fresh. They can soften if they sit in the warm skillet too long.Storing and Reheating
Refrigerator – Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezer – Freezing is possible for up to 2 months, but the beans will lose some of their crisp texture after thawing. Skillet – Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals until hot.Nutrition
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