Looking for a side dish that's packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to please? Look no further than this Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe! This dish combines the smoky richness of bacon with the freshness of green beans, balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar and a hint of garlic. It's the perfect side to any meal, from Sunday dinner to a casual weeknight. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or just cooking for yourself, this recipe is a must-try. Read on to learn how to create this delicious dish and enjoy a taste of Southern comfort food!
What is Southern Bacon and Green Beans?
Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a classic side dish that combines fresh green beans, crispy bacon, and a few simple seasonings to create a delicious and flavorful vegetable dish. The addition of brown sugar and garlic powder adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish, while the optional chicken broth can enhance the savory notes. This dish is a staple in Southern cooking, often served alongside meats like fried chicken, roast beef, or pork chops. It's an easy recipe that highlights the simplicity and bold flavors of Southern cuisine.
Ingredients List for Southern Bacon and Green Beans
Here's what you'll need to prepare this quick and easy Southern dish:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed: The star of the dish. Fresh green beans bring a natural crispness and brightness to the recipe.
- 6 slices bacon, chopped: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and provides the perfect contrast to the green beans.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweetness and slight sharpness.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the savory bacon and green beans.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a savory depth and a hint of garlic without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ cup chicken broth (optional): Adds moisture and an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness from the brown sugar.
Substitutions and Variations
If you're looking to switch things up or make this recipe your own, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Turkey Bacon: For a lighter option, swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon. It will still add a smoky flavor but with less fat.
- Canned or Frozen Green Beans: If you don’t have fresh green beans, canned or frozen green beans can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain and rinse canned beans, and thaw frozen beans before cooking.
- Maple Syrup: Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness that pairs beautifully with bacon.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you want a bit of heat in the dish.
- Butter: For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter toward the end of cooking.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use olive oil or butter instead for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to prepare this delicious Southern Bacon and Green Beans dish. Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful side dish:

- Cook the Bacon: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped bacon. Cook the bacon until it's crispy, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet, as this will be used to cook the onions and green beans.
- Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the diced onions. Sauté them over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add the Green Beans: Once the onions are ready, add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the bacon grease and onions, cooking for about 5-7 minutes. The green beans should start to soften and get a slight char.
- Season the Dish: Add the brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings over the green beans. If you're using chicken broth, pour it in at this stage to add more flavor and moisture.
- Combine Everything: Continue cooking the green beans, stirring occasionally, until they reach your desired tenderness, usually around 10 minutes. You can cook them longer if you prefer softer green beans or less if you like them crisper.
- Add the Bacon Back: Once the green beans are cooked to your liking, return the crispy bacon to the skillet and give everything a good stir to combine. Allow the mixture to cook for another minute or two, so the bacon flavors meld with the green beans.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve: Remove from heat and transfer your Southern Bacon and Green Beans to a serving dish. Enjoy it while it's hot!
How to Cook Southern Bacon and Green Beans: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare your ingredients: Start by trimming the ends of your green beans and chopping the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy and remove it from the pan.
- Sauté onions: Use the bacon grease to sauté diced onions.
- Add green beans: Stir in the fresh green beans and cook them until tender.
- Season the dish: Add garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Optional step: Add chicken broth for more depth.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked bacon to the skillet, mixing everything together.
- Adjust and serve: Taste the dish, adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Green Beans: Green beans should be tender but still slightly crisp. Overcooking can make them mushy and less enjoyable.
- Not Trimming the Green Beans: Always trim the ends of fresh green beans. Leaving them on can give the dish a tough texture.
- Skipping the Bacon Grease: Don’t drain all the bacon grease! It adds so much flavor to the dish.
- Using Too Much Sugar: The brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness, but using too much can overwhelm the dish.
- Not Tasting as You Go: Always taste and adjust your seasoning before serving. You might need more salt or pepper, depending on your preferences.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a versatile side dish that can complement a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting this dish:
- Serve with Southern Staples: Pair this dish with classic Southern mains like fried chicken, baked ham, or BBQ ribs for a true Southern meal.
- Family-Style Serving: Serve the green beans in a large, rustic bowl for a family-style meal.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.
- Presentation Ideas: Serve the green beans in a cast-iron skillet for a down-home, rustic look.
How to Serve Southern Bacon and Green Beans
Southern Bacon and Green Beans can be served hot alongside your favorite Southern mains. For a complete meal, pair it with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or coleslaw. You can also serve this dish with roasted meats or even alongside a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner spread. It’s a great way to add some green to your plate while enjoying rich, smoky, and sweet flavors.
Presentation Ideas for Southern Bacon and Green Beans
- Cast-Iron Skillet: For a rustic Southern touch, serve the green beans straight from a cast-iron skillet.
- Ceramic Serving Dish: A white or neutral-colored ceramic dish can make the vibrant green beans and crispy bacon pop visually.
- Garnish for Color: Add freshly chopped parsley or a slice of lemon on the side for a bright, fresh contrast.
Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans will always give you the best flavor and texture. Frozen or canned are okay in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- Crisp the Bacon: Cook the bacon until it's nice and crispy. This will add a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the tender green beans.
- Don’t Skip the Onion: The onion adds a lot of flavor to the dish, so don't leave it out.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you find the dish too sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar or leave it out altogether.
- Add Broth for Extra Flavor: If you want a little more moisture and depth, the chicken broth is a great addition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use canned green beans? Yes, you can use canned green beans, but be sure to drain and rinse them first. Fresh green beans are recommended for the best flavor and texture.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Simply reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- What can I use instead of bacon? If you're looking for a lighter or vegetarian option, you can use turkey bacon or simply sauté the onions and green beans in olive oil or butter.
Conclusion
Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a flavorful, easy-to-make side dish that embodies the simplicity and rich flavors of Southern cuisine. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this dish to accompany your favorite meals. Whether you're cooking for a family gathering or looking for a quick weeknight side, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy a little taste of the South in your own kitchen!
PrintQuick & Easy Southern Bacon And Green Beans Recipe
This Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is a perfect side dish with savory bacon, green beans, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. Ready in 30 minutes, it's an ideal southern-inspired dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup chicken broth (optional, for added flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onions in bacon grease until softened.
- Add green beans, garlic powder, brown sugar, black pepper, and chicken broth (optional).
- Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, until beans are tender.
- Add bacon back into the skillet, stir, and season with salt.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Chicken broth adds extra flavor but can be omitted for a drier texture.
- Adjust salt and brown sugar to taste for a sweeter or more savory flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
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