Cheesy Green Beans
These cheesy green beans with garlic and bacon are a quick one-pan side dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Tender green beans are cooked with crispy bacon, butter, garlic, and a blend of melty cheeses for a savory bite everyone will want seconds of.
Cheesy green beans are one of those sides that fit into almost any menu. They’re easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to serve next to your holiday Glazed Ham or turkey. The bacon adds richness, the cheese makes them indulgent, and the garlic ties everything together.
If you’re building out a Thanksgiving menu, these beans pair beautifully with my Baked Ham, but they’re also delicious alongside everyday mains like Spatchcock Chicken or Smothered Pork Chops.
Why you’ll love these Cheesy Green Beans
Cheesy Green Beans with Garlic and Bacon for Easy Holiday Sides
When I was growing up in Ireland, holiday meals always meant plenty of potatoes and vegetable sides at the table. After moving to Atlanta, I noticed how often green bean dishes made an appearance at big family gatherings. This cheesy version, featuring bacon and garlic, has quickly become one of my go-to dishes. If you are looking for something different than the usual green bean casserole, I’ve got you covered! It’s hearty, easy, and everyone loves it.
Ingredients Needed for Cheesy Green Beans
- Green beans: These give the dish a fresh, crisp-tender texture and bright color.
- Bacon: This brings a salty and smoky flavor. It also adds crunch to every bite.
- Mozzarella cheese: This melts into gooey layers that coat the beans beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese: This adds a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the mild mozzarella.
- Butter: This helps the seasonings stick and adds extra richness.
- Salt and pepper: These keep all the flavors balanced and well-seasoned.
- Garlic powder: This adds a garlicky flavor without any extra chopping.
- Onion powder: This gives a subtle sweetness that deepens the flavor.
- Smoked paprika: This brings warmth and a pop of color to the dish.
How to make Cheesy Green Beans
**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**
Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving 2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet.
Add trimmed green beans to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are crisp-tender and lightly blistered.
Stir in butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Sprinkle half of the bacon over the beans.
Then top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover the skillet with a lid for 2–3 minutes, or place under a low broiler for 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Variations
- Spicy kick: You can swap the mozzarella for pepper jack or add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Fresh garlic: You can use two minced cloves instead of garlic powder if you want a stronger garlic flavor.
- Different cheeses: You can try cheddar, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheeses for a new twist.
- Veggie mix: You can add sautéed mushrooms or onions if you’d like more vegetables in the mix.
- Lighter option: You can use turkey bacon and reduce the cheese if you want a slightly lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday dinners: These green beans are a great fit alongside Glazed Ham or roast turkey for Thanksgiving.
- Weeknight meals: These pair nicely with Smothered Pork Chops or Spatchcock Chicken, or Tuscan Salmon for a hearty but easy dinner.
- With potatoes: These go really well with Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes.
- Vegetable spread: These can be served next to Southern Broccoli Casserole or Honey Glazed Carrots for a colorful table.
- Spring feasts: These are delicious with Roast Leg of Lamb, Rack of Lamb or Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts at Easter.
Storage and Freezing
- How should I store Cheesy Green Beans?
You should store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until the cheese is melted and the beans are hot.
- Can I freeze Cheesy Green Beans?
Yes, you can freeze them, but it’s not the best option. The cheese and bacon don’t hold their texture well once thawed, so they taste much better fresh.
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Tips & Tricks
- Trim beans evenly: This makes sure they all cook at the same speed.
- Save some bacon fat: This adds extra flavor to the beans as they cook.
- Broil at the end: This gives the cheese a bubbly, golden finish if your skillet is oven-safe.
- Don’t overcook: This helps the beans stay crisp-tender and keep their bright color.
- Prep ahead: This makes serving easier since you can cook the bacon and trim the beans earlier in the day.
Recommended
More Easy Sides
Looking for more meal inspiration?
Browse my Slow Cooker Meals or check out my Desserts for more yummy ideas.
FAQ
Cheesy Green Beans
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spatula
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans trimmed
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Place trimmed green beans directly into the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are crisp-tender and lightly blistered. ***See notes below for softer grwwn beans***
- Stir in butter, salt, pepper,garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle half of the cooked bacon over the beans, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover the skillet with a lid for 2–3 minutes (or place under broiler on low for 5 minutes if oven-safe) until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with the other half of bacon and serve.
