Delightful Green Beans

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

A flavorful green beans dish with crispy bacon and a sweet-sour glaze, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings with a savory and tangy profile.

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Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 slices bacon
  • 1 egg
  • 3 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. margarine or bacon grease
  • 1 qt. beans

Instructions

  1. Fry bacon until crisp; drain and crumble.
  2. Beat egg slightly in a saucepan.
  3. Add sugar, vinegar, and bacon grease to the saucepan.
  4. Heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  5. Heat beans thoroughly.
  6. Pour sauce over beans.
  7. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra depth of flavor, consider using pancetta instead of bacon for a gourmet twist. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute turkey bacon. To ensure the sauce thickens properly, keep stirring while heating and avoid boiling. If you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the vinegar slightly. This recipe pairs well with Sweet And Savory Beans for a delightful meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these green beans as a side dish with grilled meats or alongside a hearty main like Fresh Baked Ham. They also complement American recipes featuring roasted chicken or pork. Garnishing with additional crumbled bacon adds a nice touch, and for a complete meal, consider pairing with Ham Slices With Corn Bread Stuffing.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Delightful Green Beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Delightful Green Beans contains roughly 662 calories, with 23g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 967mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

662 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 22.7g 45% DV
Total Fat 26.7g 34% DV
Carbs 81.8g 30% DV
Fiber 17.4g 62% DV
Sugar 11.3g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 967.3mg 42% DV
Potassium 1464.8mg 31% DV
Cholesterol 41.8mg 14% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1.4mg 2% DV
Calcium 115.5mg 9% DV
Iron 5.8mg 32% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Egg

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 canned?

Absolutely! Fresh green beans will enhance the dish's texture and flavor. Simply trim the ends and blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before adding to the sauce. This will keep them vibrant and crisp.

What can I substitute for margarine?

If you want a healthier option, use olive oil or unsalted butter as a substitute for margarine. Both will provide a rich flavor to the dish while complementing the bacon grease beautifully.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and using smoked paprika to replicate the smoky flavor. Substitute the bacon grease with olive oil and consider adding some sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.

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).

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