My Not So Healthy Green Beans

Indulge in the decadent flavors of "My Not So Healthy Green Beans," a rich and savory twist on a classic side dish! Fresh, tender-crisp green beans are elevated with smoky, crispy bacon and a luscious garlic cream sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and melty parmesan cheese. A hint of red pepper flakes adds just the right touch of heat to this irresistible combination. Perfectly balanced between indulgent and satisfying, this recipe transforms your standard green bean side into a show-stopping accompaniment for weeknight dinners or festive holiday gatherings. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes and brimming with bold flavors, it’s a must-try for anyone seeking a crowd-pleasing comfort food side dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet, discarding any excess.

Step 3

Add the butter to the skillet with the bacon grease and melt over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 5

Add the grated parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Add the blanched green beans and cooked bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together so the green beans are fully coated in the sauce.

Step 8

Cook for another 2-3 minutes over medium heat until the green beans are warmed through and the flavors meld together.

Step 9

Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and garnish with additional parmesan cheese or crispy bacon bits, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	721.3 grams (721.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1322

Total Fat 108.30g	139%
Saturated Fat 54.60g	273%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 301mg	100%
Sodium 3137mg	136%
Total Carbohydrate 35.50g	13%
Dietary Fiber 12.60g	45%
Total Sugars 15.10g
Protein 51.10g	102%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 417mg	32%
Iron 5mg	28%
Potassium 1504mg	32%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 73.8%

Protein: 15.5%

Carbs: 10.7%