Discover why this recipe for Green Beans in Creamy Parmesan Sauce has become a popular favorite among food enthusiasts:
- The combination of tender green beans, rich creamy parmesan sauce, and crispy bacon creates a delectable and indulgent side dish that will please your taste buds.
- The creamy parmesan sauce adds a luxurious and velvety texture to the green beans, elevating their flavor to a whole new level.
- With the savory addition of bacon, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
- The use of fresh green beans ensures a vibrant and crunchy texture, providing a satisfying bite in every mouthful.
- Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe can be whipped up in no time, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Green beans might not always steal the spotlight, but when dressed in a velvety Parmesan sauce, they instantly become the star of the plate. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication, simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve during the holidays.
What makes it stand out is the sauce. Parmesan brings depth and umami to the mix, turning humble green beans into something you’ll genuinely look forward to. The sauce usually starts with a little butter and garlic, then adds cream or milk and a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan. The cheese melts into the liquid, creating a thick and luscious coating that clings beautifully to each bean.
Using fresh green beans is key. You want them crisp-tender, not mushy. A quick blanch in boiling water or a light steam keeps them vibrant and green. From there, a short toss in the pan with the sauce is all it takes to bring the dish together.
This side dish is incredibly versatile. It works next to roasted chicken, grilled steak, pan-seared salmon, or even a hearty vegetarian main like mushroom risotto or eggplant lasagna. The creamy texture and savory flavor also complement starchier sides like mashed potatoes or wild rice.
There’s room for variation, too. Add a pinch of nutmeg or black pepper for warmth. Stir in some lemon zest for brightness. Or toss in toasted almonds or crispy shallots for extra crunch and contrast.
Green beans in Parmesan sauce aren’t just a way to get your vegetables in — they’re a reason to look forward to them. They elevate the familiar without complicating things, which is always a win in the kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for guests or just spicing up your routine, this dish delivers flavor, texture, and comfort in every bite. Keep it in your rotation, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of the most requested sides at your table.

Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans trimmed
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- onion small, diced
- 2 Garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until crisp-tender, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Discard all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the skillet. Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked green beans to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
- Sprinkle the reserved bacon over the top of the green beans. Serve immediately.
I don’t get why you need bacon in this. Can’t we just use butter instead? Seems a bit too much.
What the heck is parmesan? I just used cheddar because that’s what I had. Still tasted good!
This looks so delicious! I can’t wait to try it. Love green beans! 😍
Easy to make, but the sauce was too thick for my liking. 😕
I actually found the sauce just right! Maybe try adding a bit more cream next time? 😊
But like, isn’t sauce supposed to be thick? If it was runny, it might not stick to the beans. 🤔
can’t wait to make them
Sounds great but where’s the nutrition info? I need to watch my calories.
I totally get that! Nutrition info would be super helpful for making better choices. Maybe you could estimate the calories based on the ingredients? Just a thought!
This recipe is amazing! The creamy sauce paired with the green beans is divine. My family loved it!
Not bad, but I think it needs more flavor. Maybe some lemon juice next time? Anyone else feel the same?
Idk about adding lemon. I think it’s perfect just the way it is! Don’t mess with a good thing!
I totally agree! Lemon juice would add a nice zing! Maybe some zest too?
This was absolutely delicious! I added some crushed red pepper for a kick. Will definitely make it again!
I think the cream sauce makes it too heavy, but whatever floats your boat!
Glad you enjoyed it! Adding red pepper sounds great! 🌶️
Absolutely loved this recipe! The creamy sauce is to die for! Can’t wait to make it again.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! The sauce really is amazing. Did you add anything extra?
Green beans should always be steamed! Why boil them? But the sauce was nice.
I disagree! Boiling makes them less crunchy. Steaming is more healthy but this dish is sooo tasty! 😋
My kids loved it! Who knew they would eat green beans? Thanks for a great recipe!
I’m glad your kids enjoyed it! Green beans are so underappreciated, and adding bacon makes everything better! 😊
Wait, my kids wouldn’t eat green beans no matter what. What’s the secret? Maybe I should add more bacon?!
This is way too rich for my taste. Next time, I’d use less cream or even skim milk. 🤢
Delicious! My kids loved it more than mac and cheese!
I tried making this and my sauce didn’t thicken. What did I do wrong?
Maybe you didn’t let the cream simmer long enough? It usually thickens if you let it heat up more. Hope this helps!
I don’t know, like, I never had that problem. I just follow the recipe. Maybe try using less cream? Idk.
this is not even reasonable. beans and cream? yuck
I made this for a dinner party and it was a hit! Everyone wanted the recipe. Thanks!
So yummy!!! Creamy goodness! I actually used some leftover cheese from the fridge and it still turned out great! 🙂
Wow, who knew bacon and green beans would be such a hit! My family loved it and it was so easy to make!
I’m so glad your family loved it! It’s such a simple recipe but packed with flavor. Bacon really does make everything better!
Yum! I made this for dinner, & everybody went back for seconds! Will definitely make again!
This recipe is way too easy! I was expecting something fancy. But it tasted fantastic!
💖💖💖
Used frozen green beans instead. Turned out just fine! Who’s got time to trim beans?
I don’t eat bacon, so I subbed it with mushrooms….it was okay but not as good, y’know?
Mushrooms sound interesting, but bacon adds so much flavor! Maybe try a different seasoning next time?
It was okay, but I think it needed more flavor. Maybe add some herbs or spices next time.
Nah, I think the cream and cheese are enough. Adding too much flavor would ruin it! Just my opinion.
I totally agree! A dash of thyme or some red pepper flakes would really take it up a notch. Thanks for the tip!
Bacon and cheese? Yes, please! 😍
Green beans good! Bacon good!
Too much bacon grease for my taste. I had to drain mine a lot. Next time I’ll use less.
I totally understand! Bacon grease can be pretty overpowering. I usually use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
I think I cooked the green beans too long, they were mushy. Just gotta watch that next time.
Eh, wasn’t that great. The sauce was too heavy for my taste. I prefer simpler recipes.
Yeah, it’s too rich for sure. I think a light vinaigrette would go better with green beans. But to each their own!
I disagree! The sauce was amazing! I loved how creamy it was. Maybe you just prefer plain veggies?
Followed the recipe but my sauce didn’t thicken. What did I do wrong?
Maybe you didn’t simmer the cream long enough? It needs to cook down more to thicken properly.
Green beans are healthy, but why all the cream and bacon? Seems a bit over the top. I’ll stick to steaming them.
Wow, my kids gobbled this up! They never eat veggies, but this was a hit! Thanks for the recipe!
This was absolutely delicious! The creamy sauce paired perfectly with the green beans. Will definitely make again!
Not bad. But I think it could use more spices. Maybe some garlic powder??
Okay, but who really needs 1 cup of cream? That seems excessive. I halved it.
But why not just go for it? Who doesn’t love creamy goodness? Life’s too short to skimp on cream!
I guess you could halve it, but the cream really makes it rich and delish! You might miss out on the flavor, though.
Green beans?? I thought this was a salad dish! Why is there cream in it? Can’t believe people eat this!
Gonna be real with you, I forgot the bacon. Still good, just different. LOL!
Yea I dunno. Seems a bit rich. Green beans were lost in all that cream.
I get what you mean! Sometimes the cream can overpower the veggies. Maybe try adding less next time!