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Sarah

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

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.
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