Beans And Bacon
Crispy bacon complements tender green beans in this savory side dish, enhanced with a tangy vinegar and sugar dressing, perfect for family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash, string, and break the green beans.
- Cook the beans in water for 15 to 20 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, fry the bacon until crisp and set aside.
- Add chopped onion, vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and optional MSG to the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Drain the cooked beans.
- Pour the bacon mixture over the beans and toss lightly to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using thick-cut bacon and sautéing it until very crispy. You can substitute green beans with other vegetables like asparagus or snap peas if desired. To enhance sweetness, use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. If you prefer a tangier taste, experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or balsamic vinegar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beans and bacon as a hearty side dish for grilled meats, especially pork recipes like Pork Chops With Applesauce Gravy. This dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a simple green salad. For an elevated meal, consider serving alongside Pork Medallions With Dijon Mustard Sauce for a satisfying dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beans And Bacon contains roughly 219 calories, with 6g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen or canned?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used! Simply wash, trim, and cut them into desired lengths. Fresh beans will require about 5-7 minutes more cooking time than frozen or canned beans to achieve tenderness.
Is it necessary to add monosodium glutamate (MSG)?
No, MSG is optional and can be omitted if you prefer. The dish will still be flavorful without it. If you're looking for a savory boost, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder as a substitute.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon and sauce mixture ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then combine it with the cooked beans just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Just reheat the mixture before tossing it with the beans.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).