Name: Quick & Easy Southern Bacon And Green Beans Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon; 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup chicken broth (optional)

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Craving a delicious Southern-style dish that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor? You’ve come to the right place! Our Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is the perfect comfort food, combining crisp green beans with savory bacon for a mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or looking for a side dish for a family gathering, this recipe will not disappoint. Read on to discover how to whip up this simple yet delicious dish in just a few steps. Stick around for tips, variations, and answers to common questions—everything you need to cook the perfect Southern Bacon and Green Beans!

What Are Southern Bacon and Green Beans?

Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a classic dish from Southern American cuisine, often served as a side dish alongside meats like fried chicken, ham, or pork chops. The dish is made with fresh or canned green beans that are sautéed and cooked with crispy, smoky bacon. Sometimes, onions, garlic, and other seasonings are added to enhance the flavor. The result is a savory, slightly smoky, and perfectly seasoned vegetable dish that complements just about any meal.

Ingredients List for Southern Bacon and Green Beans

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients you’ll need to make Southern Bacon and Green Beans. Keep in mind that this recipe is versatile, and some ingredients can be substituted depending on your preferences or what you have available in your pantry.

Main Ingredients:

Green beans: 1 pound of fresh green beans, washed and trimmed. You can also use canned green beans if you’re short on time.
Bacon: 6 slices of thick-cut bacon for the best flavor. The smokier the bacon, the better!
Onion: 1 small yellow onion, diced.
Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
Chicken broth: ½ cup to add depth to the flavor and help soften the green beans.
Salt and pepper: To taste.

Seasonings (Optional but Recommended):

Red pepper flakes: For a slight kick of heat.
Smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor of the bacon.
Butter: 1 tablespoon for added richness.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is its flexibility. You can make several substitutions and variations to suit your taste or dietary preferences without compromising flavor.

Green Beans: If fresh green beans aren’t available, feel free to use canned or frozen green beans. Just be sure to drain and rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium.
Bacon Alternatives: If you’re looking for a healthier option or need a vegetarian version, you can substitute bacon with turkey bacon or even omit it entirely and use smoked tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
Onions and Garlic: If you’re not a fan of onions or garlic, you can leave them out, but they add depth to the dish. Shallots can be a milder substitute for onions, and garlic powder can be used instead of fresh garlic.
Spices: For a more robust flavor, you can add Cajun seasoning, creole seasoning, or even some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to cook up this delicious Southern Bacon and Green Beans dish! Follow these simple steps to ensure perfect results every time.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Place a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon slices until they are crispy and golden brown. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Green Beans

Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet and stir to coat them in the onion, garlic, and bacon grease mixture. If you’re using canned green beans, make sure to drain them before adding.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Broth and Seasonings

Pour the chicken broth over the green beans, stirring to combine. This will help soften the beans and add extra flavor. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

Step 5: Simmer the Green Beans

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the green beans simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness. If the skillet becomes too dry, add a little more chicken broth or water to keep the beans from sticking to the pan.

Step 6: Add the Bacon

Once the green beans are tender, crumble the cooked bacon and stir it into the skillet. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. For an extra touch of richness, you can add a tablespoon of butter at this point and stir until it melts into the beans.

Step 7: Serve

Your Southern Bacon and Green Beans are now ready to serve! Transfer them to a serving dish and garnish with a little extra crumbled bacon if you like.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Southern Bacon and Green Beans is relatively simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can hinder the outcome of this dish.

Overcooking the Green Beans: It’s easy to overcook green beans, which can result in a mushy texture. Keep an eye on them while they simmer, and cook just until they are tender but still crisp.
Burning the Bacon: Bacon can burn quickly if left unattended. Keep the heat on medium and check the bacon frequently to ensure it becomes crispy but not burnt.
Not Using Enough Seasoning: Since the green beans can be a bit bland on their own, be sure to season well with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy.
Skipping the Simmer: The chicken broth simmer step adds a lot of flavor to the beans, so don’t skip it. It also helps soften the beans, especially if you’re using fresh ones.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or even a light main course. Here are some tips on how to present and serve your dish for maximum enjoyment.

How to Serve Southern Bacon and Green Beans

As a Side Dish: This dish pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled meats such as pork chops, fried chicken, or meatloaf. You can also serve it alongside cornbread and mashed potatoes for a hearty Southern meal.
As a Main Course: If you’re looking for a light meal, serve this dish with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
With a Twist: For a more complete dish, stir in cooked potatoes or even grilled chicken strips to make it a filling entrée.

Presentation Ideas for Southern Bacon and Green Beans

In a Cast-Iron Skillet: Serve your green beans straight from the skillet for a rustic, country-style presentation.
In a Serving Dish: Garnish the green beans with freshly cracked black pepper and extra bacon crumbles. You can even add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
Family-Style: Place the dish in a large, shallow serving bowl in the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves. It’s perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare the green beans and bacon ahead of time and simply reheat them in the skillet before serving.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
Double the Recipe: This dish is great for a crowd! If you’re cooking for a larger group, feel free to double or even triple the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
A: Yes, canned green beans work well in this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the skillet.

Q: What can I use instead of bacon?
A: You can substitute turkey bacon, pancetta, or even omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. Smoked tofu or tempeh are great alternatives.

Q: Can I freeze Southern Bacon and Green Beans?
A: Yes, you can freeze this dish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. However, the texture of the green beans may change slightly upon thawing.

Q: How do I keep my green beans from getting mushy?
A: To avoid mushy green beans, simmer them until just tender and still crisp. Keep an eye on the cooking time and test the beans periodically.

Conclusion

Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a classic, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light meal, this recipe brings together the best of Southern comfort food. With the rich flavors of bacon and the freshness of green beans, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your household. Try it today, and don’t forget to experiment with the variations and tips provided for an even more personalized touch!