Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, but for best texture and flavor, thaw and pat dry the frozen green beans before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What type of bacon works best for this dish?

Thick-cut bacon is ideal as it provides a rich, meaty texture and holds up well during the cooking process.

Is burrata necessary or can I substitute it?

You can substitute burrata with mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta for a similar creamy texture and flavor.

How do I avoid overcooking the green beans?

Cook the green beans just until tender and bright green—about 5 minutes—then remove them promptly from heat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the bacon and onions in advance, but assemble everything just before serving to maintain the texture.

Green Beans With Bacon

Section: Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Any Meal

This vibrant dish combines crisp, pan-cooked bacon with tender green beans sautéed alongside sweet caramelized onions. A touch of lemon juice brightens the flavors while fresh basil and mint add an herbaceous finish. The final dish is topped with creamy burrata and a hint of pink peppercorns for complexity. It’s quick to prepare and perfect as a flavorful side for any meal, offering a balanced combination of savory, creamy, and fresh.

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Published By Maria

Updated as of Mon, 16 Jun 2025 21:53:58 GMT

A plate of green beans with bacon on top. | foodbymary.com

Fresh Green Beans with Bacon make the perfect side dish with the fresh green beans and crispy bacon offering up the best bites. This recipe is my latest obsession!

Ingredients

Bacon: 8 oz thick-cut, finely diced
White onion: Very thinly sliced
Green beans: 2 lb fresh
Kosher salt: To taste
Lemon juice: From 1/2 lemon
Fresh basil: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
Fresh mint: 2 tbsp, finely chopped
Burrata cheese: Torn
Pink peppercorns: To taste

Instructions

Cook bacon:: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for 5–6 minutes, until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels.
Remove excess fat:: Pour out excess fat from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
Cook onion:: Add the onion to the pan and cook for 6–8 minutes or until translucent and slightly caramelized.
Cook green beans:: Add the green beans to the pan along with 2 tablespoons of water. Season the green beans with salt. Cook the beans, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Just before removing from the pan, mix in the lemon juice and half the basil and mint.
Assemble and serve:: Transfer the green beans and onions to a serving dish. Top with bacon, remaining herbs, torn burrata, and pink peppercorns.

A plate of green beans with bacon. | foodbymary.com

Notes

If you don't have pink peppercorns, you can use fresh cracked black pepper instead.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?: Yes, but for best texture and flavor, thaw and pat dry the frozen green beans before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
→ What type of bacon works best for this dish?: Thick-cut bacon is ideal as it provides a rich, meaty texture and holds up well during the cooking process.
→ Is burrata necessary or can I substitute it?: You can substitute burrata with mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta for a similar creamy texture and flavor.
→ How do I avoid overcooking the green beans?: Cook the green beans just until tender and bright green—about 5 minutes—then remove them promptly from heat.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?: You can cook the bacon and onions in advance, but assemble everything just before serving to maintain the texture.

Green Beans With Bacon

Tender green beans meet crispy bacon, fresh herbs, and creamy burrata in this flavorful side dish.

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cooking Time

20 minutes

Complete Time

25 minutes

Published By: Maria

Recipe Category: Side Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Total Portions: 8 Serves How Many

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb Option, Gluten-Free

Required Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 8 oz thick-cut bacon, finely diced

02 1 white onion, very thinly sliced

03 2 lb fresh green beans

04 Kosher salt, to taste

05 1/2 lemon, juiced

06 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

07 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped

08 Burrata cheese, torn

09 Pink peppercorns, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook for 5–6 minutes until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Step 02

Pour out excess bacon fat, leaving 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add sliced onion and cook for 6–8 minutes until translucent and caramelized.

Step 03

Add green beans and 2 tablespoons water to the pan. Season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until tender.

Step 04

Stir in lemon juice, half of the chopped basil, and half of the mint. Remove from heat.

Step 05

Transfer beans and onions to a serving dish. Top with bacon, remaining herbs, torn burrata, and pink peppercorns.

Handy Cooking Tips

If pink peppercorns are unavailable, use freshly cracked black pepper as a substitute.

Necessary Kitchen Tools

Large skillet
Paper towels
Knife
Cutting board

Allergy Details

Always check ingredient packaging for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional when in doubt.

Contains dairy (burrata cheese)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These nutrition details are for guidance and don’t replace professional advice.

Calories: 159
Fat: 12 grams
Carbohydrates: 10 grams
Proteins: 6 grams