Last weekend, I tried making “Green Bean Almondine with Bacon Recipe- Savory Vegetable Side” for the first time and ended up with an absolutely delicious dish! It was the perfect accompaniment to our family’s backyard BBQ on that beautiful May19th evening. The combination of crispy bacon, toasted almonds, and bright green beans was heavenly. I can’t wait to make it again!
Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, use the bacon grease to sauté the green beans and almonds.
Stuff to Have on Hand
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutrition Snapshot: What to Expect
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbs | 9g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Facts & Figures
Did you know that green beans originated in Peru? They were introduced to France in the 16th century and have been a staple in French cuisine ever since. The French term “almondine” refers to dishes with slivered or sliced almonds.
Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and folate. The almonds add a boost of healthy fats and protein. Talk about a nutritional powerhouse!
Equipment & Tools Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Spatula or tongs
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
How It Unfolds in Your Kitchen
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. (I like to start with this step because that bacon aroma gets my mouth watering!) Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 2 tbsp of the bacon grease in the pan.
- Add the sliced almonds to the pan and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently so they don’t burn. (Keep an eye on them – you know how quickly nuts can go from perfect to scorched.)
- Remove the almonds from the pan and set aside.
- Add the green beans, garlic, and a splash of water to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the beans are crisp-tender. (I like mine with a bit of crunch still.)
- Remove pan from heat and stir in the butter, lemon juice, cooked bacon, and toasted almonds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why It’s Good for You (and Your Taste Buds)
Not only is this dish bursting with flavor from the savory bacon, crunchy almonds, and bright lemon, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. And let’s not forget about those healthy fats from the almonds and the protein boost they provide.
Of course, moderation is key when it comes to the bacon and butter. But a little indulgence can be part of an overall balanced diet. (At least that’s what I tell myself!)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Quick and easy to make
- Delicious blend of flavors and textures
- Nutritious vegetable side dish
- Can be made ahead and reheated
Cons:
- Higher in fat and calories than some other veggie sides (thanks, bacon and butter!)
- Fresh green beans can be pricey out of season
- You may be tempted to eat the whole batch! (Not that I’ve ever done that…)
Mix-and-Match Ideas
Feel free to mix things up with this recipe! You could swap the almonds for another nut like pecans or walnuts. Or try using shallots instead of garlic for a slightly different flavor profile.
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and sauté the beans in olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter. (Though I have to admit, the bacon is my favorite part!)
How to Plate & Pair
This versatile side dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a hearty plant-based main. I served it alongside some juicy burgers at our backyard BBQ last weekend, and it was the perfect accompaniment.
My neighbor raved about the “fancy” green beans and asked for the recipe. Little did she know how easy it was to whip up!
For an elegant presentation, you could transfer the green bean almondine to a serving dish and garnish with some lemon zest or chopped parsley.
Storing Leftovers & Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. I actually think the flavors get even better after a day or two! Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
This dish can also be made almost entirely ahead of time. Cook the bacon and toast the almonds up to a few days in advance. Then, when you’re ready to serve, just sauté the green beans and toss everything together.
Now that we’ve got all the ingredients prepped, let’s start cooking! First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. While you’re waiting for that to happen, why don’t we chat a bit?
You know, when I was a kid, my mom used to make green bean almondine all the time. It was one of my favorite side dishes. I remember being fascinated by the whole process – the way the beans would turn a vibrant green when they hit the boiling water, the satisfying crunch of the toasted almonds. Ah, memories!
Okay, back to business. Once that water is boiling, go ahead and add the trimmed green beans. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re crisp-tender. You don’t want them to get too soggy, you know? Drain the beans in a colander and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside for now.
In a large skillet (preferably a cast-iron one if you’ve got it), cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving those glorious bacon drippings behind. Can you smell that? Heavenly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Q: Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen green beans are a perfectly acceptable substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they might not need as long in the boiling water. And hey, using frozen veggies is a great way to reduce food waste – kudos to you!
2. Q: I’m vegetarian. Can I omit the bacon?
A: Of course! The bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor, but it’s not strictly necessary. If you’re leaving it out, you might want to consider adding a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the dish for that same savory depth.
3. Q: Are green beans a good source of nutrients?
A: You bet! Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and folate. They’re also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy addition to any diet. Fun fact: my grandma used to say that green beans were “nature’s little multivitamins.” Wise woman, that grandma of mine!
4. Q: I have a nut allergy. Can I substitute something else for the almonds?
A: Absolutely! Breadcrumbs or panko would make a great crunchy topping in place of the almonds. Or, you could get creative and try something like crispy fried shallots or garlic chips. The possibilities are endless!
5. Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh and hot, you can definitely prepare the components ahead of time and then reheat and assemble the dish right before serving. Just be sure to store the cooked beans, bacon, and almonds separately until you’re ready to combine them. Oh, and you might want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating the beans to prevent them from drying out.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, folks! A delicious, easy-to-follow recipe for Green Bean Almondine with Bacon – a savory vegetable side dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual weeknight dinner or a fancy holiday feast, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and making things your own. So don’t be afraid to put your personal spin on this recipe. Maybe you want to add a squeeze of lemon juice for some brightness, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. The possibilities are endless!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your Green Bean Almondine with Bacon Recipe- Savory Vegetable Side! Let me know how it went on June 19, 2025. I’d love to hear your thoughts, stories, and any tweaks you made to the recipe. Bon appétit!