Balsamic-slicked, crisp-tender beans with tart cranberries and smoky bacon, 20 minutes, skillet to table
Sweet-tangy glaze, salty bacon crunch, and jewel-bright cranberries turn weeknight green beans into a holiday-worthy side.
Why You’ll Love It
- Sweet–savory balance: Hits the vibe of Green Beans With Bacon And Brown Sugar without becoming candied.
- Holiday shortcut: All the cozy notes of Original Green Bean Casserole, no baking dish or canned soup.
- Bright balsamic finish: A glossy reduction that nods to Balsamic Green Beans with restaurant sheen.
- Low-carb friendly: Easy swaps bring it into Keto Green Bean Casserole territory (see Variations).
- Fast skillet method: One pan, minimal cleanup, 20 minutes start to finish.
Ingredients (notes only)
Produce
- Fresh green beans (1½ lb), trimmed: Thin haricots verts cook fastest; standard beans need 1–2 extra minutes.
- Shallot (1 small) + garlic (2 cloves): Aromatic base.
Flavor & Glaze
- Thick-cut bacon (4–6 slices): Smoky base fat; cook crisp.
- Balsamic vinegar (2–3 Tbsp): Reduce to a light syrup; use good but not aged.
- Brown sugar (1–2 Tbsp): Balances acidity; see keto swap.
- Dijon (1 tsp) + red pepper flakes (pinch): Gentle heat and emulsification.
- Butter (1 Tbsp): Silky finish; optional.
Finishes
- Dried cranberries (½ cup): Tart pop; roughly chop for even scatter.
- Toasted sliced almonds (¼ cup) or pecans: Crunchy contrast.
- Kosher salt & black pepper.
Build your veggie sides menu with these reader favorites: skillet Easy Chicken & Green Beans, sweet Honey-Glazed Carrots & Green Beans, and Crispy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Crisp the bacon: Add bacon to a large skillet; cook over medium until deeply golden. Transfer to a plate; leave ~2 Tbsp bacon fat in pan.
- Sauté aromatics: Add shallot; cook 1–2 minutes. Stir in garlic 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Blister beans: Add green beans; toss in bacon fat. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring, until bright green and crisp-tender with lightly charred spots.
- Glaze: Stir in balsamic, brown sugar, Dijon, red pepper flakes, and 2 Tbsp water. Simmer 1–2 minutes until beans are coated and glaze lightly thickens.
- Finish: Cut heat; stir in butter, cranberries, and half the bacon. Season to taste.
- Serve: Top with remaining bacon and toasted nuts; serve hot.
Pro Tips
- Snap test: Beans should bend then break with a crisp snap—pull off heat before they go army-green.
- Glaze control: If too sharp, add ½–1 tsp more brown sugar; if too sweet, add 1 tsp more balsamic.
- Cranberry size: Chop cranberries so every bite gets tart pops, not clumps.
- Hold for service: Keep warm on low; splash in 1–2 tsp water to re-gloss before serving.
Variations
- Keto skillet “casserole”: Skip brown sugar (or use 1–2 tsp allulose); at Step 4 add 2 Tbsp cream + ¼ cup grated Parmesan for a creamy Keto Green Bean Casserole vibe.
- Brown-sugar bacon: Lean into Green Beans With Bacon And Brown Sugar with 2–3 Tbsp brown sugar and a squeeze of lemon to balance.
- Balsamic-onion: Caramelize 1 thinly sliced onion first for deeper Balsamic Green Beans flavor.
- Thanksgiving riff: Top with crisp fried onions to nod at Original Green Bean Casserole.
How to Serve
- Plate with roast chicken, turkey, or salmon; spoon extra glaze over protein.
- Add to holiday buffets next to mashed potatoes and stuffing.
- For weeknights, pair with garlic bread or buttered rice.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Prep ahead (24 hrs): Trim beans; chop bacon and aromatics; toast nuts.
- Leftovers: Airtight, 3–4 days, fridge.
- Reheat: Skillet over medium with a splash of water to re-gloss; add fresh nuts for crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes—thaw and pat very dry; cook 2–3 extra minutes to drive off moisture before glazing.
How do I keep beans bright green?
High heat, short cook time, and glaze at the end. Avoid covering for long—steam dulls color.
No bacon?
Use 1–2 Tbsp olive oil + ½ tsp smoked paprika; finish with roasted nuts for texture.
Simple Nutrition Table (estimate, per 1 of 6 servings)
| Calories | Carbs | Fat | Protein | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~210 | ~17 g | ~12 g | ~8 g | ~10 g | ~380 mg |
Estimates only. Actuals vary by bacon brand and sugar swaps.
Cranberry Bacon Green Beans
Crisp-tender green beans tossed in a balsamic brown sugar glaze with smoky bacon, tart cranberries, and toasted almonds. A quick, festive side dish ready in about 20 minutes—perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 4–6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2–3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1–2 Tbsp light brown sugar (see keto swap)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter (optional)
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds or pecans
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp water, as needed
Equipment
- Large skillet
- tongs or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- measuring spoons
Method
- Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove to a plate, leaving about 2 Tbsp drippings in the pan.
- Sauté minced shallot in the bacon drippings for 1–2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add green beans and cook 5–7 minutes, tossing, until bright green and crisp-tender with light blistering.
- Stir in balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon, red pepper flakes, and 2 Tbsp water. Simmer 1–2 minutes to form a light glaze.
- Off heat, stir in butter, cranberries, and half the bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with remaining bacon and toasted nuts before serving warm.
Nutrition
Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 380mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
Notes
Keto Swap: Replace brown sugar with 1–2 tsp allulose or omit; for creamy keto style, add 2 Tbsp heavy cream + ¼ cup Parmesan at Step 4.
Nut-Free: Skip nuts and top with crispy onions instead.
Extra Glossy: Whisk 1 tsp cornstarch into the balsamic before adding for a thicker glaze.
More Green Bean Sides: Try Easy Chicken & Green Beans Skillet, Honey-Glazed Carrots & Green Beans, or Crispy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans.
Nut-Free: Skip nuts and top with crispy onions instead.
Extra Glossy: Whisk 1 tsp cornstarch into the balsamic before adding for a thicker glaze.
More Green Bean Sides: Try Easy Chicken & Green Beans Skillet, Honey-Glazed Carrots & Green Beans, or Crispy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Green Beans.
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