Description
This colorful side dish blends crisp green beans, savory bacon, sweet cranberries, and crunchy almonds, topped with creamy goat cheese. The tangy red wine vinegar ties it all together, making this the perfect Thanksgiving side for a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 small shallot
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup goat cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:: Trim the green beans, cut the bacon into small pieces, and thinly slice the shallot. Set aside the dried cranberries, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes (optional). Toast the sliced almonds until lightly golden, and crumble the goat cheese.
- Cook the Bacon:: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté:: Add the trimmed green beans, sliced shallots, and dried cranberries to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the green beans are slightly blistered but still crisp, the shallots are softened, and the cranberries begin to plump.
- Add Flavor:: Stir in the red wine vinegar and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Finish and Serve:: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and toss everything together. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with the toasted almonds and crumbled goat cheese, and serve immediately.
