Delicious Thanksgiving Green Beans with Bacon, Garlic, and Parmesan: A Flavorful Holiday Side Dish

Create a new tradition this holiday with our Delicious Thanksgiving Green Beans with Bacon, Garlic, and Parmesan. This dish combines tender green beans with the savory richness of bacon, the boldness of garlic, and the creamy touch of Parmesan, ensuring a delightful experience for your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This green bean recipe is a showstopper for your Thanksgiving feast. With its savory and crisp flavors, it’s a delightful contrast to the more traditional, richer holiday fare. Incorporating bacon and Parmesan introduces a depth of flavor that makes this dish a memorable one on your holiday table.

The simplicity of the ingredients ensures that the natural flavors and textures shine through. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a quiet dinner, these green beans add a touch of elegance and warmth to the occasion.

Context/Background

Green beans have been a staple in holiday meals across America due to their versatility and seasonal availability. Combining them with bacon and Parmesan adds a modern twist that aligns with trends of crafting more gourmet holiday dishes from everyday ingredients.

This dish draws inspiration from Italian and Southern influences, where the use of bacon and cheese enhances the natural flavors of vegetables, presenting them in a deliciously sophisticated form.

Recipe Details

Serves: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice water. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving bacon drippings in the pan.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet along with minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
4. Introduce the green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat with garlic and oil.
5. Stir in the cooked bacon and continue to cook until beans are tender.
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring gently to combine.
7. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Delicious Thanksgiving Green Beans with Bacon

• Ensure beans are well-drained after blanching to prevent water from diluting the flavors.
• Opt for thick-cut bacon for a meatier, more satisfying bite.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum impact on flavor.
• Adjust garlic based on preference for a more pronounced flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Its vibrant colors and rich flavors complement any Thanksgiving spread, making it both a visual and palatable delight.

Storage and Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of olive oil to restore some of its original freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Thanksgiving Green Beans with Bacon, Garlic, and Parmesan are not only bursting with flavors, but they also add a touch of gourmet to your holiday table. Give them a try this Thanksgiving and experience a side dish that’s deliciously worthy of the occasion.

Recipe Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add chopped almonds for crunch.
• To add a zesty twist, consider a splash of lemon juice before serving.
• Frozen green beans can be used if fresh beans are unavailable, though fresh provides the best texture.