Say goodbye to plain green beans and hello to these amazing green beans with bacon, pecans and blue cheese. This quick stovetop side comes together in about 15 minutes using fresh green beans, crisp bacon and chopped candied pecans for a perfect balance of savory, sweet and tangy.
Table of contents
- Instructions
- Can you prep them ahead of time?
- Can you use frozen or canned green beans?
- What to serve with them
Many of us grew up on canned green beans, but fresh beans make a world of difference. Bright, crisp and full of flavor, fresh green beans take on the smoky richness of bacon and the sweet crunch of candied pecans, finished with tangy blue cheese crumbles for a side dish that’s far from ordinary. This version is especially great for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, but it’s easy and quick enough for weeknight dinners too.
This recipe is designed to be efficient: blanch the beans to preserve their color and snap, fry the bacon until crisp, then toss the beans briefly in the bacon fat so they absorb that savory flavor. Add chopped bacon, candied pecans and blue cheese at the end for an irresistible mix of textures and tastes. The whole dish can be ready in around 15 minutes from start to finish if you prep a few elements in advance.
Below you’ll find clear step-by-step instructions, simple ingredient notes and a few helpful tips for substitutions and make-ahead options. Whether you’re serving this with pork, chicken or turkey, these green beans elevate any plate.
Instructions
- Prep the green beans.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat and add a pinch of salt.
- Add 1 lb fresh green beans and cook for 3 minutes until bright green and just tender-crisp.
- Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water for 3 minutes to stop the cooking and lock in color.
- Remove from the ice bath and set the beans aside to drain.
- Cook the bacon.
- Place 3 slices of bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crisp and golden.
- Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, reserving the rendered bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Finish the dish.
- Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the bacon drippings and sauté over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes so the beans warm through and pick up the smoky flavor.
- Chop the cooked bacon and toss it with the beans along with 4 oz crumbled blue cheese, 1/2 cup chopped candied pecans, 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately.
Can you prep them ahead of time?
The green beans can be blanched (boiled briefly and shocked in ice water) ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to finish the dish. Blanching preserves the bright color and crisp texture. You can also cook the bacon ahead and keep the drippings; when it’s time to serve, a quick sauté of the blanched beans in the reserved bacon fat and a toss with chopped bacon, pecans and blue cheese will take only about 5 minutes.
Can you use frozen or canned green beans?
Yes. If you use frozen green beans, add about 2 minutes to the boiling time before shocking them in ice water. For canned green beans, drain them well and skip the blanching steps—simply sauté the drained beans in the bacon drippings for 3–4 minutes before adding the bacon, pecans and blue cheese. Canned beans won’t be as crisp, but they still work well when you’re short on fresh options.
What to serve with them
These green beans pair beautifully with roasted or grilled meats and rich starches. Try them alongside:
- Coffee-crusted tri tip with rosemary blue cheese mashed potatoes
- Bacon-wrapped pork chops with cast iron skillet rustic potatoes
- Cranberry-glazed turkey breast with butternut squash risotto
- Beef Wellington with creamy mashed potatoes
The smoky bacon and tangy blue cheese make these beans versatile enough to match both hearty and elegant mains.
Making these green beans this week or for a holiday meal? I’d love to see how yours turn out—share a photo on social media and tag the person who inspired the recipe if you’d like.
Green Beans with Bacon, Pecans and Blue Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, ends trimmed
- 3 slices bacon
- 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup candied pecans, chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the green beans and cook for 3 minutes until bright and slightly tender.
- Drain the beans and immediately place them in a bowl of ice water for 3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Add the bacon slices to a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook 4–5 minutes per side until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve the drippings in the skillet.
- Add the green beans to the skillet with the bacon drippings and sauté for 2–3 minutes until heated through and coated with the drippings.
- Chop the cooked bacon and toss it with the beans along with the blue cheese, chopped candied pecans, salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using frozen green beans? Add 2 minutes to the boiling time before shocking in ice water.
- Using canned green beans? Drain the liquid, then sauté the beans in the bacon drippings for 3–4 minutes and continue with the recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approx.): Calories 280 kcal; Carbohydrates 15 g; Protein 11 g; Fat 20 g; Saturated Fat 8 g; Sodium 857 mg; Fiber 4 g.