Savory Bacon-Infused Green Bean Medley
Indulge in this savory and delightful green bean medley that packs a flavor punch without the heaviness of cream. This dish features a unique combination of sweet and tangy notes, enhanced by crispy bacon and vibrant onions. Perfectly baked to tender perfection with a marinade that melds the flavors beautifully, it can be enjoyed hot from the oven or straight from the fridge. Ideal for family gatherings or as a standout side dish to any meal, this recipe has quickly become a beloved staple in my kitchen, inspired by my wonderful mother-in-law. Trust me, you'll want to keep this recipe close and make it your own!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
green beans, french cut
28 ounces (drained)
green beans, regular cut
28 ounces (drained)
yellow beans
28 ounces (drained)
yellow onion
1 (thinly sliced)
bacon
10 slices
bacon drippings
6 tablespoons (reserved from cooking bacon)
white sugar
6 tablespoons
apple cider vinegar
6 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a deep casserole dish, combine the drained French cut green beans, regular cut green beans, and yellow beans. Evenly distribute the thinly sliced onions over the top and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain. Save 6 tablespoons of the rendered bacon drippings in the skillet.
4
Once the bacon is cooled and crispy, crumble it into small pieces and sprinkle it over the bean mixture.
5
To the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings, add the white sugar and apple cider vinegar, stirring to combine.
6
Heat the mixture on medium until it reaches a light boil, allowing it to bubble for about 2 minutes.
7
Pour the hot dressing over the layered bean and onion mixture in the casserole dish.
8
If time permits, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld; otherwise, proceed to bake.
9
Before baking, if refrigerated, let the casserole come to room temperature for about 1 hour.
10
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this green bean dish?
This dish features a unique combination of sweet and tangy notes, enhanced by savory bacon and vibrant onions.
What types of beans are included in the medley?
The recipe uses three types: French cut green beans, regular cut green beans, and yellow beans.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 10 people.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole take to bake?
The casserole should bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until it is heated through and bubbly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight to let the flavors meld.
Is there any cream in this green bean medley?
No, this recipe provides a flavor punch without the heaviness of cream.
How much bacon is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 slices of bacon.
What kind of onion is recommended?
One thinly sliced yellow onion is used in this medley.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing is a mixture of reserved bacon drippings, white sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
Should I drain the beans before using them?
Yes, all three types of beans (French cut, regular cut, and yellow) should be drained before combining them.
How should the bacon be prepared for the topping?
Cook the bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, and then crumble it into small pieces.
How much bacon fat should be reserved for the sauce?
You should save 6 tablespoons of the rendered bacon drippings in the skillet.
What type of vinegar is best for this recipe?
Apple cider vinegar is used to give the dish its signature tangy flavor.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the instructions specify baking the casserole uncovered.
How long should the sugar and vinegar mixture boil?
It should reach a light boil and bubble for approximately 2 minutes.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
It is delicious hot from the oven or can be enjoyed straight from the fridge.
What is the preparation for the refrigerated version?
If refrigerated overnight, let the casserole come to room temperature for about 1 hour before baking.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the creator's wonderful mother-in-law.
How much of each bean type is required?
You will need 28 ounces each of French cut green beans, regular cut green beans, and yellow beans.
Is this a good dish for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday recipe and is ideal for family gatherings.
How much sugar is used in the marinade?
The recipe requires 6 tablespoons of white sugar.
What type of dish should I use for baking?
A deep casserole dish is recommended for combining and baking the ingredients.
How many bean varieties are used in total?
There are three varieties: two types of green beans and one type of yellow bean.
In what order should I layer the vegetables?
Combine the drained beans first, then distribute the thinly sliced onions evenly over the top.
How should the yellow onion be prepared?
The yellow onion should be thinly sliced.
Is this considered a side dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a vegetable side dish.
What creates the 'medley' aspect of the recipe?
The medley is created by the mix of French cut green beans, regular green beans, and yellow wax beans.
How do I ensure the bacon is distributed properly?
Crumble the crispy bacon and sprinkle it evenly over the bean and onion mixture before adding the dressing.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a family favorite.