Introduction
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a big skillet of vegetables swimming in buttery, garlicky ranch flavor and topped with crispy bacon. This Ranch Butter Potatoes & Green Beans with Crispy Bacon recipe brings together simple pantry staples and fresh produce for a side dish (or even main) that’s packed with flavor and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes this dish stand out is the combination of hearty baby potatoes, tender-crisp green beans, and that rich, savory ranch garlic butter that soaks into every bite. Add in crispy bacon for smoky crunch, and it’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to throw together. Best of all, it’s versatile—serve it with roasted meats, casseroles, or enjoy it on its own!
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1½ pounds baby potatoes (red or Yukon gold), halved or quartered
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Potatoes: Use fingerling or diced russets in place of baby potatoes if needed.
- Bacon: Turkey bacon or pancetta work great if you’re avoiding pork.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and check the ranch seasoning label for allergens.
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Potatoes
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook for 10–12 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Blanch the Green Beans
In the same pot, boil water and cook green beans for 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
3. Crisp the Bacon
While the veggies cook, fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
4. Make the Ranch Butter
Whisk together melted butter, ranch seasoning, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This buttery blend will become your new obsession.
5. Combine & Coat
Add potatoes, green beans, and bacon to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Gently toss. Pour over the ranch butter and toss again until well coated.
6. Garnish & Serve
Season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the green beans—you want them vibrant and just tender.
- Use fresh garlic instead of powder for the best flavor.
- Toss gently so the potatoes don’t break apart.
- Double the batch for meal prep or feeding a crowd—it reheats beautifully.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish goes great with:
- A main like Dorito Casserole
- Easy Turkey Wings for a full comfort plate
- A Southern dinner with Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- A cool sip of Blueberry Lemonade
- Party-style with Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to revive the butter sauce.
- Not freezer-friendly due to texture changes in the potatoes and green beans.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Dorito Casserole
- Easy Turkey Wings
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Final Thoughts
This ranch butter skillet is one of those dishes that feels greater than the sum of its parts. Every bite is packed with creamy, herby, bacon-kissed flavor that’s both indulgent and simple. It’s one of those recipes that’ll instantly become part of your rotation.
If you try it, leave a comment below or tag @ChefManiac on Instagram—we love seeing your creations! And don’t forget to follow for more flavor-packed recipes you’ll crave again and again.
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