Southern Green Beans with Bacon – A Flavorful Southern Side Dish
Southern cuisine is all about comfort, flavor, and simplicity, and Southern Green Beans with Bacon perfectly capture that essence. This classic side dish combines tender green beans with savory, smoky bacon for a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners, holiday spreads, or any meal that needs a touch of Southern charm, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe elevates simple green beans into a standout side dish. The smoky bacon infuses the beans with rich flavor, while a touch of onions, garlic, and seasonings creates a well-rounded, comforting dish. It’s quick, easy, and pairs perfectly with meats, casseroles, and Southern classics like fried chicken or cornbread.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
While indulgent in flavor, this recipe remains light and wholesome. Green beans provide fiber and essential vitamins, while the bacon adds protein and richness. Knowing the nutritional profile helps you enjoy this comfort dish mindfully.
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Time Breakdown
This recipe is designed to be quick and approachable. From prepping the beans to simmering them in smoky bacon drippings, the entire dish comes together in under 35 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 20–25 minutes
- Total: ~30–35 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
The recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to deliver maximum flavor. Fresh green beans, smoky bacon, aromatic onions, and garlic combine effortlessly to create a side dish that’s both comforting and delicious.
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4–5 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth (optional, for extra flavor)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a slight kick
Condensed Grocery Checklist
Shopping for this dish is easy and straightforward. With a short list of fresh produce, pantry staples, and bacon, you can gather everything quickly and focus on creating a flavorful Southern classic.
- Fresh green beans
- Bacon
- Onion and garlic
- Chicken broth (optional)
- Salt, pepper, and optional spices
How to Make – Step by Step
Even beginner cooks can master this dish. Following clear, step-by-step instructions ensures perfectly tender green beans infused with smoky bacon flavor and aromatic seasonings every time.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel, leaving bacon drippings in the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Green Beans: Add green beans to the skillet and toss in the bacon drippings. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender.
- Simmer: Add chicken broth (if using), cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until beans are tender but still crisp.
- Finish with Bacon: Stir cooked bacon back into the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, and serve warm.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
This recipe is flexible and customizable. You can swap bacon for smoked sausage, add vegetables for extra color, or use frozen green beans in a pinch, making it adaptable to your taste and pantry availability.
- Use smoked sausage instead of bacon for a different smoky flavor.
- Add chopped tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- Use frozen green beans if fresh ones aren’t available, adjusting cooking time slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Southern Green Beans with Bacon shine as a side dish to a variety of main courses. Serve them with fried chicken, pork chops, or roasted meats, or include them on a holiday table for a comforting, crowd-pleasing vegetable option.
- Serve alongside fried chicken, pork chops, or roast meats.
- Pair with cornbread and mashed potatoes for a full Southern-style meal.
- Add to a holiday spread to give guests a flavorful, comforting vegetable side.
Storing Tips
Proper storage keeps these green beans fresh and flavorful. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days and reheat gently to maintain the perfect tender-crisp texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to preserve the beans’ texture.
- Avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain crisp-tender beans.
Chef’s Special Tips
Small touches make a big difference. Trimming beans evenly, keeping the bacon drippings, and tasting for seasoning at the end ensures a perfectly balanced, flavorful dish that embodies classic Southern comfort.
- Trim green beans evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Don’t discard the bacon drippings—they’re the secret to deep, smoky flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end; the bacon adds saltiness, so add additional salt sparingly.
Conclusion
Southern Green Beans with Bacon transform simple green beans into a savory, smoky side dish that embodies the best of Southern cooking. Easy to prepare, flavorful, and versatile, they’re a must-have for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or holiday feasts. Try this recipe today and bring a taste of Southern comfort to your table. Once you try these green beans, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.