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Crack green beans with crispy bacon and a brown sugar glaze in a cast-iron skillet

Crack Green Beans (Bacon & Brown Sugar Glaze, 30 Minutes)

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 190
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the beans
  • 1½ lb fresh green beans trimmed
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
  • 2 Tbsp bacon grease reserved
For the glaze
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup yellow onion finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce optional
  • Kosher salt + black pepper to taste
  • Pinch red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet (12-inch, cast iron ideal)
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • 9×13 baking dish (oven method)
  • Slow cooker (crockpot method)

Method
 

  1. Wash and trim the beans; pat dry.
  2. Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 6–8 min; remove to a paper-towel-lined plate; keep 2 Tbsp bacon grease in the pan.
  3. Add butter + onion (if using) to the grease, cook 2 min; add garlic, cook 30–60 sec until fragrant — do not brown.
  4. Add the beans; toss in the bacon fat and sauté 6–8 min until bright green and tender-crisp.
  5. Add brown sugar + soy sauce (+ Worcestershire if using); stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves into a glossy glaze, 2–3 min.
  6. Return the crispy bacon; toss, cook 1–2 min more; season with salt + pepper + red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.