If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that’s both indulgent and packed with vibrant flavors, this Creamy Parmesan Green Beans with Bacon Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender green beans are enveloped in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce, perfectly balanced by the smoky, salty crunch of crispy bacon. It’s comfort food elevated to something special, yet surprisingly simple to whip up—exactly the kind of recipe that turns everyday meals into memorable feasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients; each one plays a starring role in creating the creamy, savory magic of this dish. From the smoky bacon that adds crunch and depth, to the fresh green beans that bring color and snap, every element elevates the overall experience.
- Bacon (150g/5oz, chopped): Using streaky bacon is key for that perfect balance of fat and flavor, giving you crispiness and savoriness in every bite.
- Garlic (2 cloves, finely minced): It adds a subtle punch that complements the richness without overpowering the green beans.
- Green beans (500g/1lb, trimmed and cut): Fresh or frozen works, but fresh green beans offer that ideal crisp-tender texture and vibrant green color.
- Chicken or vegetable stock (1/2 cup, low sodium): This adds gentle depth to the beans as they cook and helps create a luscious sauce.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The star for creaminess—the richness makes the sauce luxuriously silky.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, finely grated): Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully to infuse the dish with nutty, salty goodness.
- Black pepper (freshly ground): Adds just the right amount of spice to balance the cream and cheese.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Green Beans with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by placing chopped bacon in a cold skillet, then turn your heat to high. Heating it slowly this way helps render out the fat and creates irresistible golden, crisp bacon pieces. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the bacon is beautifully crisp, then scoop it out carefully with a slotted spoon—keep that bacon flavor without overwhelming grease.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
Discard most of the bacon fat, but leave around 1 1/2 tablespoons in the pan to coat the beans. If your bacon was a little lean, add a touch of butter or olive oil here to keep the sauce rich and flavorful. Toss in the minced garlic and stir it for 10 to 15 seconds until just golden to build a fragrant foundation without any bitterness.
Step 3: Add the Green Beans
Introduce your green beans to the skillet, stirring to dredge them in the garlicky bacon fat. This step ensures every bean catches those savory notes, making every bite mouth-wateringly tasty.
Step 4: Simmer with Stock
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and bring it up to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Your goal is green beans that are tender-crisp and still vibrant green. The stock will add moisture but won’t dilute the flavors.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now comes the indulgence! Add the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat and let it gently bubble for 2 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken and the parmesan to melt into that silky sauce. For sauce lovers, let it cook an extra minute until thick enough to cling beautifully to every bean.
Step 6: Final Touches
Give the dish a taste and decide if you need a touch of salt—parmesan and bacon usually provide plenty, but seasoning is always personal. Then transfer your creamy, cheesy beans to a serving bowl, shower the top with your crispy bacon bits, and sprinkle a little extra parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Green Beans with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra crispy bacon and shredded parmesan on top right before serving for that finishing touch that adds texture and visual appeal. Fresh cracked black pepper and a few fresh herb leaves, like parsley or chives, also brighten the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Creamy Parmesan Green Beans with Bacon make an exceptional partner to any roasted or grilled meats—think steak, chicken, or pork chops. They’re also wonderful served alongside a hearty casserole or mixed into a holiday spread where you want something both comforting and elegant.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in a rustic cast-iron skillet to keep it warm and inviting at the table. Alternatively, pile the green beans on a white platter, letting the creaminess and bacon shine against a simple backdrop. For a fun twist, try adding toasted breadcrumbs on top for an irresistible crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken further upon standing, but it still tastes fantastic.
Freezing
While this dish freezes okay, the texture of green beans can change once thawed, becoming a little softer. If you plan to freeze, do so within a couple of hours of cooking and consume it within a month for best flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the texture creamy and avoid splitting the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans can work well here. Simply adjust cooking time a bit, as they may release more water. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before adding the cream and parmesan.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. To compensate, adding a small amount of butter can help maintain that luxurious mouthfeel.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. You can add extra parmesan or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to introduce a smoky element that bacon would normally provide.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Keep the heat low when adding and simmering the cream, and always stir gently. Sudden high heat or boiled cream can cause it to separate.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This Creamy Parmesan Green Beans with Bacon Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you choose gluten-free broth and check that your parmesan does not contain additives with gluten.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Parmesan Green Beans with Bacon Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a touch of decadence to their vegetable side dishes. It’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious—perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Once you try it, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy green beans!
Print
Creamy Parmesan Green Beans with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 13 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 5 servings as a side dish
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious side dish of tender green beans cooked in a creamy Parmesan sauce enriched with crispy bacon and garlic. This easy-to-make recipe combines fresh green beans with a luscious, cheesy cream sauce and savory bacon for a perfect balance of flavors, ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 150g/5oz bacon, chopped (use streaky, not lean)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 500g/1lb green beans, trimmed and cut into ~5cm / 2″ pieces
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock/broth, low sodium
- 1 cup cream, heavy/thickened (Note 1)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, finely grated (best to grate your own)
- Black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Place the chopped bacon in a cold skillet, then turn the stove to high heat. Cook the bacon for 2 to 3 minutes until it is golden and crispy. Remove the bacon using a slotted spoon, leaving the fat behind in the skillet.
- Prepare Pan for Garlic: Discard excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 1/2 tablespoons in the pan. If there isn’t enough fat, add a small amount of butter or olive oil to compensate.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the finely minced garlic to the hot bacon fat and stir for about 10 to 15 seconds until it turns a light golden color, releasing its aroma.
- Add Green Beans: Add the trimmed and cut green beans to the skillet, stirring them to coat well with the garlic-infused bacon fat.
- Simmer Beans: Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender-crisp, bright green, and nearly cooked through. There should be some liquid left, but it’s okay if it’s evaporated.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer again, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it gently simmer for 2 minutes to thicken. For a thicker sauce that clings to the beans, continue simmering for an additional minute.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and add salt if desired, although it often doesn’t need extra seasoning. Transfer the green beans with creamy Parmesan sauce to a serving bowl, sprinkle the cooked bacon on top, and optionally add extra Parmesan for garnish.
Notes
- Note 1: Use heavy or thickened cream for the richest, creamiest sauce.
- Note 2: Starting the bacon in a cold skillet helps the fat render out slowly and crisps it up nicely.
- Note 3: Covering the beans while simmering helps them cook evenly and retain their bright green color.
- Note 4: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering it longer if you prefer it to cling more thickly to the beans.
