My Not So Healthy Green Beans
Indulge in the decadent flavors of "My Not So Healthy Green Beans," a rich and savory twist on a classic side dish! Fresh, tender-crisp green beans are elevated with smoky, crispy bacon and a luscious garlic cream sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and melty parmesan cheese. A hint of red pepper flakes adds just the right touch of heat to this irresistible combination. Perfectly balanced between indulgent and satisfying, this recipe transforms your standard green bean side into a show-stopping accompaniment for weeknight dinners or festive holiday gatherings. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes and brimming with bold flavors, it’s a must-try for anyone seeking a crowd-pleasing comfort food side dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet, discarding any excess.
Add the butter to the skillet with the bacon grease and melt over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Add the grated parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Add the blanched green beans and cooked bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together so the green beans are fully coated in the sauce.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes over medium heat until the green beans are warmed through and the flavors meld together.
Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and garnish with additional parmesan cheese or crispy bacon bits, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1322 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 108.3 g | 139% | |
| Saturated Fat | 54.6 g | 273% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 301 mg | 100% | |
| Sodium | 3137 mg | 136% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.5 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.6 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.1 g | ||
| Protein | 51.1 g | 102% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 417 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 5.1 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 1504 mg | 32% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
