Keto Green Beans and Bacon

By Dr. Eric Berg DC

10/05/2024

Keto Green Beans and Bacon

Total Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4

Per serving: 474 calories, 14.4 g protein, 4.3 g carbohydrates, 44 g fat

Ingredients

8 bacon strips, cooked

1½ cup green beans

1 oz pork rinds

1 cup heavy cream

2 tsp sea salt

1 tsp white pepper

Directions:

Chop bacon into large pieces and set aside.
In small pot, bring water to boil over medium heat. Add green beans and cook for three minutes or until tender. Remove from water and set aside.
Using a mallet or rolling pin, tap pork rinds until roughly ground and set aside.
In saucepan, warm heavy cream over medium heat. Add sea salt and white pepper, stirring frequently until cream reduces by roughly half.
Add chopped bacon to large sauté pan and cook over medium heat for two minutes. Stir in green beans and fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
Pour cream mixture over green beans. Toss until evenly coated.
Transfer onto serving plate and top with ground pork rinds.
Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite protein.

Recipe tips:

For an extra flavor boost, use cooked bacon grease to sauté the green beans.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream mixture for a hint of spice.
To avoid mess and facilitate easy transfer, place the pork rinds in a sealed sandwich bag and then begin using the mallet/rolling pin to grind them down.
If fresh beans aren't available, you can use frozen or canned green beans. Just ensure to drain and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
You can incorporate freshly ground black pepper instead of white pepper.

If you are looking for a tasty low-carb side dish, this Keto Green Beans and Bacon recipe has got you covered!

Rich in healthy fats and fiber, this comforting dish supports ketosis and helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.

It's perfect for meal prepping, budget-friendly, and is sure to become one of your favorite green bean recipes in no time.

Why you’ll love this keto-friendly recipe

If you love green bean casserole but want to adhere to a Healthy Keto® diet, this Keto Green Beans and Bacon recipe is for you!

Green beans aren’t just keto-friendly but also an excellent source of fiber and essential nutrients such as vitamins C and K.

Furthermore, research published in the Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Fruits and Vegetables found that green beans are packed with beneficial phytonutrients, including carotenoids, phenols, and flavonoids.

These plant compounds help strengthen the immune system, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and support overall health and well-being.

Pairing green beans with bacon creates a delicious blend of healthy fats and protein that provides a satisfying boost of energy.

The addition of heavy cream delivers a luscious texture while providing a significant source of nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus.

"Calcium is critical for supporting strong bones and teeth, and phosphorus helps sustain energy production,” explains Dr. Berg.

What's more, substituting traditional bread crumbs with pork rinds offers a pleasurable crunch without raising blood sugar or insulin levels.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With just six ingredients, you can craft a delicious and wholesome meal in only 25 minutes.

This recipe is also highly versatile, allowing you to customize the flavors to suit your taste. For a savory twist, try adding minced garlic and Parmesan cheese, or enhance the depth of flavor with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.

Fish cakes

What to serve with Keto Green Beans and Bacon

This recipe is incredibly adaptable and pairs well with a variety of entrées.

Here are a few ideas to help you plan delicious low-carb meals.

Keto Salmon Cakes

For a seafood-inspired dish, serve these tender Green Beans and Bacon with Keto Salmon Cakes.

These crispy fish cakes, made with salmon, almond flour, and fragrant herbs, are a delectable main course perfect for any gathering.

Keto Dukkah Nut Spice Coated Chicken Thighs

If you’re in the mood for a protein-packed entrée, you'll love these Keto Dukkah Nut Spice Coated Chicken Thighs.

The succulent chicken thighs are coated in a rich, flavorful blend of nuts, sesame seeds, and aromatic spices, then baked to perfection.

Their bold flavors beautifully complement the creamy Green Beans and Bacon, creating a harmonious, satisfying dish.

Keto French Herbed Pork Chops with Brie

Topped with melted brie cheese and seasoned with herbs de Provence, these Keto French Herbed Pork Chops with Brie are a decadent option that beautifully complements the hearty Green Beans and Bacon.

They're also quick and easy to make, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Lamb chops

Keto Everything Lamb Chops

There’s nothing quite like juicy, tender meat, and this Keto Everything Lamb Chops recipe is a must-try.

Seasoned with everything bagel seasoning and cooked to perfection, these lamb chops make a mouthwatering entrée that perfectly complements the richness of the Green Beans and Bacon, adding a delightful balance of flavor to your meal.

Keto Bacon-Wrapped Scotch Eggs

Take your breakfast to the next level with these Keto Bacon-Wrapped Scotch Eggs.

Hard-boiled eggs are wrapped in flavorful ground pork and covered in crispy bacon, creating a truly mouthwatering experience. Serve alongside Green Beans and Bacon for a wholesome feast any time of day.

Keto Pistachio-Crusted Chicken

For a delectable and indulgent dinner option, pair Green Beans and Bacon with Keto Pistachio-Crusted Chicken.

This unique chicken dish features a crispy coating of finely chopped pistachios, Parmesan cheese, and coconut flour, creating a deliciously nutty and flavorful crust.

Zucchini lasagna

Keto Zucchini Lasagna

Pair Green Beans and Bacon with this scrumptious Keto Zucchini Lasagna for a comforting and heartwarming meal.

Layers of zucchini, meat sauce, and gooey cheese create a low-carb version of traditional lasagna that's perfect for any occasion.

Keto Meat Lovers’ Pizza Cups

These Keto Meat Lovers' Pizza Cups put a low-carb spin on classic pizza.

Packed with savory sausage, pepperoni, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, they make an excellent appetizer or main dish to enjoy alongside the Green Beans and Bacon.

Holding bowl with green beans

Storing and reheating tips

To store leftovers, let Green Beans and Bacon cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container where they can be kept in the fridge for four days or freezer for up to three months.

To reheat refrigerated or frozen green beans, place the desired portion in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bacon rubbery and less enjoyable.

Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for an extra touch of flavor, or serve Green Beans and Bacon cold on a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch option.

Asparagus with cheese and lemon

More keto side dish recipes

If you're looking for more keto side dish recipes, check out these nutritious options:

Keto Asparagus with Cheese and Garlic: Asparagus is roasted and topped with a flavorful mixture of garlic and melted mozzarella cheese.
Keto Lemon Cream Artichoke: Artichokes are the star of this recipe, coated in a creamy lemon sauce and Parmesan cheese.
Keto Grilled Summer Vegetables: These grilled summer vegetables are seasoned to perfection, making them a flavorful complement to any BBQ dish.
Keto Cheese & Broccoli Salad Recipe: For a nutritious and satiating meal, serve this keto-approved salad featuring nutrient-rich broccoli, cheese, and bacon.
Keto Fried Cabbage with Bacon: This savory appetizer is a great way to add extra vegetables to your meals while also boosting your protein and fat intake.
Keto Rutabaga Fries with Fry Sauce: These crispy and flavorful fries offer a great alternative to traditional potato fries without interfering with ketosis.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Simply toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until crunchy and tender.

Green beans and bacon

Final thoughts

Whether you're looking for a hearty entrée or a tasty side option, this Keto Green Beans and Bacon recipe is a must-try.

For an unforgettable feast, pair this delightful side dish with Keto Bacon-Wrapped Scotch Eggs, Keto Meat Lovers' Pizza Cups, or Keto Everything Lamb Chops.

FAQ

1. How many carbs are in Keto Green Beans and Bacon?

This recipe contains 4.3 grams of carbs per serving, making it a perfect low-carb option for those following a Healthy Keto® diet.

2. Can I have bacon on keto?

Yes, bacon is allowed on the keto diet as it's high in fat and low in carbs. However, it’s recommended to choose grass-fed and uncured bacon to avoid products containing unnecessary additives and hidden carbs.

3. Are green beans low in carbs?

You can eat green beans regularly on a low-carb diet as they only contain around 4 grams of net carbs per cup, making them a keto-friendly option.

4. Do green beans have health benefits?

Yes, fresh green beans offer health benefits as they are rich sources of vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, supporting digestion, blood sugar control, and bone health.

5. Can I eat unlimited green vegetables on keto?

Yes, eating plenty of vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli, asparagus, and zucchini, is encouraged on keto, as they are low in carbs and rich in nutrients.

However, it's best to avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, yams, and butternut squash, as their higher carbohydrate content can disrupt ketosis and hinder fat-burning.

6. Can green beans help with weight loss?

Yes, green beans are a low-calorie, nutrient-rich food that can support weight management due to their high fiber content, which promotes a feeling of fullness and may help reduce overall food intake.