Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon

Ever had green beans so addictive they should come with a warning?

Imagine this: you’re wafting through a warm kitchen, the rich aroma of crispy bacon mingling with the earthy smell of sautéed onions and fresh green beans. That’s the magic of Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon! This recipe transforms plain green beans into a soul-satisfying side dish that is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. It’s all made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze—perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike.

Why make this recipe

You’ll love this dish for a bunch of reasons. First off, it’s super easy! If you can chop vegetables and turn on the stove, you’re in business. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a recipe that’s both budget-friendly and delivers big on taste? And let’s face it, your family will be begging for seconds! You might even need to hide some in the back of the fridge to enjoy later. 😂

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to whip up these amazing Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon:

1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
4. Toss in the green beans, stirring them to get all that delicious bacon flavor.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it cook for 30-40 minutes until the green beans are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in the bacon before serving.

How to make Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon (Overview)

Let’s break it down. Start by frying the bacon to a perfect crispiness— if you don’t nibble on a piece while cooking, are you even cooking? Once that’s done, toss the onions in the leftover drippings—trust me, sautéing in bacon fat gives what’s essentially a vegetable dish a hearty boost! After that, it’s all about simmering those green beans in chicken broth until they’re tender and soaking in all that deliciousness.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on the beans as they cook. You can adjust the cooking time based on how crisp or tender you like them.

How to serve Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon

Serving these green beans is a treat! Imagine the contrast of bright green beans next to your favorite roasted chicken or steak. Add a sprinkle of extra crisp bacon on top, and watch as everyone salivates at the sheer goodness on their plates. The aroma alone will make their mouth water. You can also serve them on a bright platter to show off that vibrant green color—because we eat with our eyes too!

How to store Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon

Got leftovers? No problem! These delicious beans can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. If you want to save them for longer, go ahead and pop them in the freezer! When reheating, microwave or warm them on the stovetop until heated through. They’ll still taste rejuvenated—promise!

Tips to make Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon

Here are some insider tricks to take your Southern-Style Green Beans to the next level:

1. Make it spicy: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes while the onions are sautéing for a kick.
2. Mix it up: Feel free to swap the bacon for turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version.
3. Texture matters: For extra crunch, toss in some almonds or walnuts for a delightful contrast.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese towards the end to change up the flavor profile. If you want to make it vegan, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and ditch the bacon altogether. Flavor doesn’t have to suffer!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything except for the final bacon stir-in. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

How do I freeze leftover green beans?
Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. They’ll keep well for up to three months!

What can I serve with Southern-Style Green Beans?
These beans pair beautifully with meats like grilled chicken or fried pork chops, or even alongside a hearty casserole. Perfect for a family feast! 🎉

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon

This Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon recipe transforms plain green beans into a soul-satisfying side dish that's quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, all made in one pan.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 180

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• to taste Salt and pepper

Method

 

Cooking

1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
4. Toss in the green beans, stirring them to get all that delicious bacon flavor.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
6. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it cook for 30-40 minutes until the green beans are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in the bacon before serving.

Notes

Leftovers can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat using microwave or stovetop. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice or substitute turkey bacon for a lighter version.