Sautéed Green Beans With Bacon (Gluten Free)

If there's one side dish that quietly steals the show at holiday dinners, weeknight meals, and even those last-minute "oh no, people are coming over" evenings… it's a skillet full of sizzling garlic butter green beans with crispy bacon.

Green beans are one of those vegetables that can go either way:
✨ sad, mushy cafeteria vibes or
✨ crisp-tender, buttery, savory, "where have you been all my life?" deliciousness.

This, my friends, is the second one.
And it's completely gluten free, naturally low in carbs, made in one pan, and so foolproof you'll feel like the world's most capable home cook-even if the rest of dinner is still figuring itself out.

Today's recipe is a keeper for holidays, potlucks, Sunday dinners… and honestly any night you want something green that doesn't taste like a chore. Let's dive in!

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Gluten Free Green Bean Recipe
• A Quick Story: When Green Beans Became the Hero
• Ingredients You'll Need
• How to Make Garlic Butter Green Beans with Bacon
• Variations & Tips for the Best Gluten Free Green Bean Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What to Serve with Garlic Butter Green Beans with Bacon
• Why This Recipe Works (The Flavor Science)
• Make It a Meal
• More Delicious Ways to Cook and Serve Green Beans (Fresh, Frozen, or Canned!)
• Canned Green Beans
• Green Beans vs. Green Bean Casserole: When to Make Which?
• How to Store, Reheat, and Use Leftover Green Beans Like a Pro
• Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Green Bean Recipe
• Pin it for later here:
• Full Printable Recipe: Garlic Butter Green Beans with Bacon
• 📖 Recipe
• Nutrition Disclaimer

Why You'll Love This Gluten Free Green Bean Recipe

Besides the fact that anything cooked in garlic butter and tossed with bacon is basically destined for greatness, here's why this recipe is a favorite in my kitchen:

⭐ Naturally gluten free

No flour, no weird thickeners, no breadcrumbs, just real ingredients that let the green beans shine.

⭐ Quick: Ready in 20 minutes

Perfect for busy families (or hungry teenagers who ask, "Is dinner ready yet?" every 3 minutes).

⭐ One skillet = fewer dishes

Bless.

⭐ Great for weeknights OR holidays

I've served it next to Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, Wednesday rotisserie chicken, and even eggs for brunch.

⭐ Kid-friendly

Green beans + bacon = a vegetable win.

A Quick Story: When Green Beans Became the Hero

A few months back, I invited friends over for dinner, fully planning to wow them with a gorgeous rosemary pork loin. The roast came out beautifully, but guess what everyone raved about?

These green beans.

One friend actually asked, "What did you do to these?"
And all I could say was, "Butter. Garlic. Bacon. Magic."

Sometimes the simplest things really are the best.

Ingredients You'll Need

Think of this as your high-flavor, zero-fuss ingredient list:

🥓 Bacon

Good quality, thick cut is best because we're using both the bacon and the rendered fat to flavor the beans.

🫛 Fresh green beans

Washed and trimmed. I prefer fresh over frozen for the best texture.

🧈 Butter

Salted or unsalted, use what you love. I prefered a good salted grass-fed butter.

🧄 Garlic

Fresh cloves only, please. This is a garlic-forward recipe, and jarred garlic just doesn't deliver the same flavor.

🧂 Salt + black pepper

Simple seasonings that keep the flavors clean.

🍋 Optional: fresh lemon zest or juice

Brightens everything right at the end. I like the zest and urge you not to skip it!

🌶 Optional: red pepper flakes

A little kick never hurt anyone.

How to Make Garlic Butter Green Beans with Bacon

Here's the play-by-play, Explorer Momma style:

1. Cook the bacon

Grab a large skillet and cook your bacon until it's crisp and irresistible. OR

⭐ How to Cook Regular Bacon in the Oven

Temperature: 400°F (205°C)
Time: 15-18 minutes

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Lay the bacon strips in a single layer, with no overlapping.
3. Place the pan in a cold oven and then set it to 400°F (starting cold helps prevent curling).
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, checking at the 12-minute mark.
5. When the bacon is crisp to your liking, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Reserve bacon grease to flavor your green beans (so good!).

Pro Tips

• Want extra-crispy bacon?
  Use a baking rack set on top of your sheet pan. The air circulates around the strips and crisps them beautifully.
• Want super-flat bacon?
  Place a second baking sheet on top of the bacon. (Restaurants do this!)
• Don't toss the bacon fat!
  Pour it into a jar and refrigerate-it's liquid gold for sautéing vegetables and adding smoky flavor to everything from eggs to Brussels sprouts.

Remove the slices to a plate, but keep 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan; that's your flavor gold.

2. Sauté the green beans

Add the green beans right into the hot skillet over medium high heat with the bacon drippings. I like to leave about 2-3 tablespoons of bacon fat, but if there's more than than I drain it first.

You should hear that happy sizzle. Cook 6-8 minutes until they're crisp-tender and starting to blister in spots.

3. Add garlic + butter

Lower the heat and add minced garlic along with your butter, stirring gently.

The aroma alone could bring the whole family into the kitchen. Cook another 1-2 minutes, just enough to soften the garlic without burning it.

4. Crumble the bacon and toss

Chop or crumble the bacon pieces and return them to the pan.

Add salt, pepper, and any extras (lemon zest, red pepper flakes).
Give everything a good toss.

5. Serve immediately

Green beans are happiest when served hot and glossy with garlic butter.

Variations & Tips for the Best Gluten Free Green Bean Recipe

🌟 Don't overcook the garlic

Garlic burns fast and turns bitter. Keep the heat low once you add it.

🌟 Make it dairy-free

Use dairy-free butter like Miyoko's or ghee if that works for you.

🌟 Add onions or shallots

Sauté sliced shallots in the bacon fat first for an extra layer of flavor. Alternatively, you can also sauté sliced mushrooms in the bacon fat to add even more depth and texture to the dish.

🌟 Use French green beans (haricots verts)

They cook faster and look extra fancy for holidays.

🌟 Want a smoky kick?

Sprinkle a little smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, but they'll be softer. For best texture, thaw and pat dry before sautéing.

Are these green beans keto-friendly?

Absolutely! They're naturally low-carb and fit beautifully into a keto lifestyle, especially with all that butter.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes! Cook them slightly underdone, refrigerate, and reheat in a skillet with a little extra butter.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in two pans or batches so the green beans get that perfect blistered texture instead of steaming.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Green Beans with Bacon

This gluten free green bean recipe pairs beautifully with:

• Roast chicken or turkey
• Keto baked chicken thighs
• Pork tenderloin or ham
• Steak or salmon
• Holiday spreads (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter)

And because I know my Explorer Momma readers love a little menu inspo, here are some favorites from the blog:

• Keto Lemon Pound Cake (for dessert!)
• Keto Italian Sausage Soup (perfect with greens!)
• Chicken Satay With Peanut Dipping Sauce
• Easy Instant Pot Keto Carnitas

Why This Recipe Works (The Flavor Science)

This dish hits all the flavor notes:

• Salt + crunch from bacon
• Creamy richness from butter
• Brightness from lemon
• Umami depth from garlic
• Freshness + snap from green beans

No fancy techniques, no gluten, no floury casseroles, just clean, simple, delicious food.

And because it's naturally gluten free, it's the perfect side for guests with food sensitivities. No swaps needed. No "special plate." Everyone gets the same delicious serving.

Make It a Meal

Here's a fun way to turn this gluten free green bean recipe into a full meal in one skillet:

1. Cook bacon and set aside.
2. Add seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet and sear.
3. Add green beans around the chicken.
4. Add butter, garlic, and bacon.
5. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.

Dinner = done.

More Delicious Ways to Cook and Serve Green Beans (Fresh, Frozen, or Canned!)

One of the things I love most about a solid green beans recipe is its flexibility. Whether you've got fresh green beans, a forgotten bag of frozen whole green beans, or even a pantry emergency stash of canned green beans, there's always a way to get something delicious on the table. And because this recipe is naturally gluten free, you're already halfway to a win on busy nights, special dinners, and even gluten free Thanksgiving spreads.

Let's walk through the best ways to use whatever type of green bean life throws at you.

Fresh Green Beans (The Gold Standard)

Fresh beans are the star of the vegetable drawer, vibrant, crisp, and always ready to shine. With trimmed green beans, you can sauté, roast, blanch, stir-fry, or steam them.

When you add green beans to a large skillet at medium high heat, they get that gorgeous bright green color and just the right amount of snap. For this recipe, fresh is ideal because it lets the garlic butter cling to every crease and curve.

Frozen Green Beans or Frozen Whole Green Beans

Don't sleep on frozen veggies! They're flash-frozen at peak freshness, which means they still deliver great flavor and nutrition. The only trick? Pat them dry if there's any ice on them, then toss into a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil or extra virgin olive oil. Frozen beans won't blister quite like fresh ones, but they absolutely work in a pinch.

Canned Green Beans

Okay, canned beans have their place, especially in vintage recipes like traditional green bean casserole or your family's secret green bean mixture baked in a baking dish with too many fried onions on top. (Is there such a thing as too many fried onions? Asking for a friend.)

But because canned beans are very soft, I don't recommend them for sautéed green beans unless it's your last resort. They simply don't hold up at medium low heat without falling apart.

That said, if you love the flavor of canned green beans, you can still toss them in melted butter, add garlic, sprinkle on a bit of parmesan cheese, and call it dinner. No judgment here, kitchen success is about using what you have!

Green Beans vs. Green Bean Casserole: When to Make Which?

Let's be honest: Nothing divides the holiday table quite like green beans. On one side, you have the lovers of the classic green bean casserole, the people who live for mushroom soup, fried onions, and anything baked until it's lightly golden brown around the edges. On the other side, you have the sautéed-green-bean enthusiasts who prefer the bright, fresh flavor of vegetables that still resemble vegetables.

In our house? We do both. Or however the mood takes us. Because balance.

When to Make Sautéed Green Beans

Sautéed green beans (especially bacon green beans) are perfect for:

• Weeknight meals
• Cookouts
• Times when you want something gluten free green and naturally wholesome
• Dinners where people want actual vegetables
• Eating directly out of the skillet with a fork (not that I've done this)

This style keeps the beans crisp, tender, and full of flavor, especially with fresh garlic, butter, and a big handful of cooked bacon.

When to Make Green Bean Casserole

Whether you call it green bean casserole, classic green bean casserole, or "that dish with the crispy fried onions," this is your cozy, creamy holiday casserole moment.

Traditionally, it's made with canned soup, baby bella mushrooms, mushroom soup, and sometimes wheat flour (which is not gluten free). But you can absolutely make a gluten free, dairy free, or even vegan butter version.

How to Make a Gluten Free Green Bean Casserole (Quick Tips!)

• Use blanched green beans or fresh green beans for better texture.
• Make a quick cream sauce with gluten free flour, olive oil, and chicken stock instead of canned soup. When cooking the gluten free flour with butter, make sure to cook while stirring constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Top with crispy shallots, fried onions, or french fried onions (gluten free brands are out there!).
• Bake until the top turns beautifully golden brown.

Whether you're team casserole or team sauté, each version has its moment. But if you want your beans to taste like a side dish served in fine dining restaurants, sauté is always the way to go.

How to Store, Reheat, and Use Leftover Green Beans Like a Pro

Let's talk leftovers, because if you're like me, you love a dish that keeps on giving. Fortunately, this green beans recipe is one of the easiest sides to store, reheat, and repurpose.

Storing Leftovers

Once the beans have cooled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The bacon will soften slightly, but the flavor gets even better as the minced garlic and butter settle in.

How to Reheat Sautéed Green Beans

The best way to revive your sautéed green beans is to heat them in a large skillet over medium low heat with a tiny bit of extra virgin olive oil or butter. If the beans look dry, a splash of chicken stock perks them right up. Reheat just until warm and bright green, avoid cooking too long, or they'll lose their crispness.

Using Leftovers Creatively

Here are some fun ways to stretch your green bean magic:

• Chop + add to omelets with parmesan cheese
• Mix into soups for extra color and veggies
• Top salads (yes, cold sautéed beans are amazing!)
• Add to sheet-pan dinners with chicken or sausage
• Use in a next-day mini version of green bean casserole
• Toss into pasta for a quick weeknight meal (gluten free pasta if you need it!)

This is the kind of side that doesn't just survive day two, it thrives.

What If You Need Dairy Free or Lower Fat?

If you're cooking for someone who's dairy free, swap the butter for olive oil, vegan butter, or even bacon fat alone. Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fat, which is considered a healthy fat. Butter, on the other hand, contains saturated fat, which adds richness but should be consumed in moderation.

This recipe is naturally low in trans fat, making it a healthier option overall. Want something lighter? Use half butter and half extra virgin olive oil to reduce polyunsaturated fat and still keep great flavor.

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Green Bean Recipe

Whether you're making a holiday spread, prepping a veggie for a weeknight dinner, or just trying to convince your kids that green food really can taste amazing, this garlic butter green beans with bacon recipe is a winner.

Simple. Fresh. Naturally gluten free. And unapologetically flavorful.

Pin it for later here:

Ready to bring some buttery, bacon-y magic to your table?
Print the recipe, save it to Pinterest, and tag me @explorermomma on Instagram when you make it. I love seeing your creations!

Full Printable Recipe: Garlic Butter Green Beans with Bacon

Nutrition Disclaimer

Please be aware I am not a medical specialist or nutritional professional. On this blog, I share recipes and what works for me. Please do not take anything on this blog as medical advice and always consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

I use MyFitnessPal dot com to calculate nutrition facts as a courtesy to my readers, and I remove erythritol and allulose from the final carb count and net carb count because does not affect my own blood glucose levels.

This is as accurate as possible, but it's best to independently calculate nutritional data on your own with the specific ingredients you use. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.