Description
This Loaded Skillet Toasted Green Beans recipe features crisp green beans sautéed with savory bacon and shallots, then topped with crunchy toasted almonds, tangy feta cheese, and flavorful garlic butter breadcrumbs for a deliciously textured side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 shallots, sliced
- 2 pounds fresh green beans
- 1/3 cup toasted almonds
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced or pressed
- 1/3 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook bacon and shallots: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the chopped bacon and sliced shallots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the shallots begin to brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the mixture from the skillet and place it in a bowl for later.
- Toast green beans: Add the fresh green beans to the same skillet. If there is no bacon fat left, add about a tablespoon of butter or olive oil to the pan to help toast the beans. Cook over medium heat, stirring and tossing occasionally, until the beans are bright green and tender yet still have a slight crunch, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Combine ingredients: Return the cooked bacon and shallots to the skillet with the green beans. Toss together, then add the toasted almonds and crumbled feta cheese, mixing gently to combine all flavors.
- Make garlic butter breadcrumbs: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the unsalted butter. Whisk constantly as the butter melts and begins to bubble. When brown bits start forming at the bottom of the pan, remove the pan from heat and continue whisking for 30 seconds. Let the browned butter stand for 2 minutes, then whisk in the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the panko breadcrumbs and crushed red pepper flakes, coating them evenly with the garlic butter mixture.
- Serve: Sprinkle the prepared garlic butter breadcrumbs over the green bean mixture and serve immediately for a crunchy, flavorful topping.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for the best color and crunch.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- If you prefer, substitute almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and increase the butter slightly.
- Make garlic butter breadcrumbs fresh to maintain their crispiness when served.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
