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Need like the easiest Thanksgiving recipe ever? Well, these Bacon-Balsamic Green Beans are just that. Less than 5 ingredients and packed full of flavor because anything with bacon and balsamic in it tastes like heaven, am I right?
On Thanksgiving day we already have enough work to do in the kitchen…so this Bacon-Balsamic Green Beans side dish will be perfect to make your day a little easier, but still packed full of flavor! Enjoy!


- 6 strips bacon
- 16 oz. green beans, trimmed and rinsed (I prefer Hericots Verts)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper, to taste
- Cut bacon into 1 inch pieces.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add bacon pieces and fry until cooked through and slightly crisp.
- Increase heat to medium-high.
- Add the green beans into the skillet with the bacon and bacon fat. Saute for about 5-7 minutes, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper, until the green beans are slightly tender (but not soggy).
- Pour in the balsamic vinegar and saute for 2 minutes more, so that the balsamic reduces and coats the green beans.
- Serve and enjoy!
I made this for Thanksgiving dinner for a neutral but flavorful side dish – something more than just green beans and garlic. It was perfect, with just the lightest touch of tang, sweet, and salt. And very easy to make; I really appreciated the few ingredients. Will add this to my go-to list for family dinners!
Would this be a good side dish with prime rib? I need to take a veggie to a Christmas dinner. Could I make this ahead of time and put in a warming oven, or would that make the dish soggy or not taste great? Do you have any other suggestions? Thanks!
I worry these would get a little soggy if made in advance! I would suggest these root vegetables instead. You could par-bake them in advance then finish baking just before your dinner to ensure they are cooked through and slightly crisp.