I hate following recipes exactly. It’s why I’m generally not a good baker. Anything that has to be accurate within an eighth of a teaspoon is too fiddly for me.
My wife, on the other hand, is a great baker. She’ll start from a recipe, then adjust every time she makes it until she has it perfected. Then that’s the exact recipe she’ll make each time.
So I’m always pleasantly surprised when she goes completely off the map, like she did with this dish. It was a classic example of, “Now let’s see, what do I have in the pantry?” And it was delicious. Only problem is … we don’t know what to call it. If you have a good idea, post a comment below.
(By the way, there are no photos of the process, because this was already made by the time I got home from work.)
Ingredients
potatoes
green beans
bacon
cheddar cheese
bacon fat (yes, extra bacon fat)
kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
Directions
We’ve got no idea exactly how much of each ingredient went in, and only a rough idea as to the proportions. I don’t think it’s probably that important, though.
Start by slicing the potatoes — one for each person you’re feeding — about a quarter-inch thick. Fry them in several tablespoons of bacon fat over medium heat, turning occasionally. While they’re going, dice the bacon and start that going in a separate pan also over medium heat.
When the bacon is done, scoop it out to drain but leave the drippings in the pan. Add to the bacon pan the green beans, fresh or — like you see here — frozen shredded style. Add a little salt and pepper and cook until the beans are warmed through but not yet turning brown.
By now the potatoes should be done. Add the green beans and bacon to the pan and toss to combine. If the skillet you cooked in is not oven safe, transfer everything to an oven safe serving dish. Top with several handfuls of shredded cheddar and place the serving dish — or skillet — under the broiler for a minute or two, until the cheese is melted.
And that’s it.
This makes a great side to a hearty dinner, or can make a breakfast or lunch all to itself.
Like I said up top, we need a name for this dish. It’s a little awkward asking for, “That thing you made that time with the potatoes and beans and cheese and bacon.” If there weren’t already a dish called “green bean casserole” I might think that would be pretty close, but that name’s taken already.
