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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