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Savory Crack Green Beans Recipe with Brown Sugar Bacon

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A quick and easy side dish featuring fresh green beans sautéed with crispy thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed (or thawed frozen green beans)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if not using bacon fat)

Instructions

  1. Place the 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a cold large skillet. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and browned, about 8–10 minutes.
  2. Remove bacon with tongs and place on paper towels to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan; discard the rest or save for another use.
  3. While bacon cooks, trim the ends off about 1 pound of fresh green beans. Rinse and pat dry. If using frozen, thaw and drain well.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil or reserved bacon fat to the skillet over medium-high heat. Add green beans and sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender but still slightly crunchy.
  5. Lower heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  6. Sprinkle brown sugar over the beans and add softened butter. Stir constantly to melt the sugar and coat the green beans evenly, creating a glossy caramelized glaze, about 2–3 minutes. Lower heat if sugar starts to burn.
  7. Crumble or chop the cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces and toss into the skillet. Stir to combine all flavors.
  8. Taste and add salt sparingly if needed. Remove from heat once beans are tender, glazed, and vibrant green.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor. Keep heat moderate when adding brown sugar to avoid burning. Fresh minced garlic is essential for aroma and flavor. Frozen green beans can be used if thawed and drained well. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil. Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: green beans, bacon, brown sugar, savory crack green beans, easy side dish, quick recipe, garlic, caramelized glaze

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/savory-crack-green-beans-recipe-with-brown-sugar-bacon-easy-and-delicious/