A crispy, creamy, and flavor-packed veggie side dish with bacon, ranch dressing, and golden potatoes – this skillet is weeknight magic or holiday-worthy comfort.
🗌 Recipe Card
👨🍳 Servings: 6 (as a side dish)
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
⌚ Cook Time: 25 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 35 minutes
🍽 Tags: Gluten-Free | Comfort Food | Side Dish | One Pan
🫑 Ingredients Checklist
→ For the Veggies & Bacon
6 slices bacon, chopped
1.5 lbs (700g) baby potatoes, halved
1 lb (450g) green beans, trimmed
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
→ For the Ranch Dressing
½ cup sour cream
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (or DIY blend)
2 tbsp milk (to thin)
DIY Ranch Seasoning:
1 tsp dried dill + ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp onion powder + ¼ tsp salt
👩🍳 Instructions
Crisp the Bacon (5 mins)
In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Keep the drippings in the pan.
Sauté the Veggies
Add baby potatoes to the skillet with bacon fat. Cook for 10 minutes until golden.
Stir in onion, garlic, green beans, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cover and cook another 8–10 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Make the Ranch Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayo, ranch seasoning, and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed.
Combine & Serve!
Toss the cooked vegetables with ranch dressing and crispy bacon.
Optional: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
💡 Pro Tips
🔥 Parboil potatoes for 5 minutes if they’re large.
🥜 Add toasted almonds or breadcrumbs for crunch.
❄️ Make ahead: Store cooked veggies and reheat with dressing before serving.
🌿 5 Flavor Variations
🧀 Cheesy Ranch: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar at the end.
🌶 Spicy Southwest: Add 1 tsp cumin + 1 tbsp diced jalapeños.
🍋 Lemon-Herb: Replace ranch with lemon juice + fresh dill.
🍗 Chicken & Veggie Meal: Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken.
🥓 Maple-Glazed: Drizzle with 1 tbsp maple syrup before serving.
🍲 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Airtight container, up to 3 days.
Reheat: In skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes. Thaw and pat dry before cooking for best texture.
Q: Can I prep the ranch dressing ahead?
A: Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I use turkey bacon?
A: Absolutely. Add a bit of oil if needed since it’s leaner.
📝 Final Thoughts
This dish is proof that veggie sides can steal the show – with creamy ranch, crisp bacon, and perfectly tender potatoes and green beans. Serve it for a weeknight meal or holiday dinner, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!