Green Bean Treat
A savory green bean dish with crispy bacon, sweet and tangy flavors, perfect as a side for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy and crumble it into small pieces.
- Use 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings to sauté the sliced onion until tender.
- Blend in cornstarch, salt, and dry mustard into the skillet.
- Drain the green beans and reserve 1/2 cup of the liquid.
- Stir the reserved liquid into the skillet with the onion mixture.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
- Stir in brown sugar and vinegar, then add the drained green beans and heat until hot and bubbly.
- Sprinkle the cooked bacon and chopped hard-cooked egg over the green beans before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try adding minced garlic or a dash of hot sauce to the onion mixture. If you prefer, turkey bacon can be used as a substitute for traditional bacon for a lighter option. You can also replace the green beans with fresh ones, just blanch them before adding to the dish. This recipe pairs beautifully with Whatever Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Green Bean Treat as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as part of a holiday spread. It complements well with hearty pork recipes and can be paired with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Garnish with extra chopped egg or bacon for a more appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Bean Treat contains roughly 545 calories, with 5g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1982mg per serving (86% 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 canned?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used! Blanch them for about 3-4 minutes in boiling water before adding them to the skillet. This ensures they maintain their crunch and vibrant color, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. If you're looking for a sugar-free option, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia, adjusting the quantity to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It's perfect for meal prep, as the flavors meld beautifully over time. Just reheat before serving, and it will taste fresh and delicious.
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).