Cranberry Bacon Green Beans

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

1. 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.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add shallot; cook 1–2 minutes. Stir in garlic 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Blister beans: Add green beans; toss in bacon fat. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring, until bright green and crisp-tender with lightly charred spots.
4. 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.
5. Finish: Cut heat; stir in butter, cranberries, and half the bacon. Season to taste.
6. 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.