These Southern Style Green Beans are tender and packed with flavor! Cooked with bacon and just a hint of onion, they make a perfect side dish for any meal.
I love how easy they are to whip up while the main dish cooks. Plus, the smoky taste from the bacon makes them hard to resist! You’ll keep going back for more! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are a must for the best taste and texture! If you can’t find fresh, you can use frozen ones; just thaw and drain them before cooking.
Bacon: Bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works well. Alternatively, you can use smoked sausage or omit it for a vegetarian version.
Onion: A small onion gives sweetness. If you’re out, try shallots or even leeks for a different flavor. You can even use onion powder in a pinch!
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth enhances flavor. If you need it to be vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead. Water works too, but may not have the same depth.
How Do You Get the Green Beans Just Right?
Cooking green beans to the perfect tenderness is the key! You want them tender yet crisp. Follow these steps:
- After washing and trimming green beans, aim to sauté them in bacon fat to absorb flavor.
- Simmer them in chicken broth to infuse moisture. Covering the pan helps steam them effectively!
- Keep an eye on the time; 15-20 minutes is usually perfect, but taste them to know when they are just right for you!
By adjusting cooking time, you can make them crunchier or softer based on your preference!
Southern Style Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick
Time Needed:
This delicious side dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to cook. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have tender green beans with a smoky, savory flavor ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Green Beans:
First, rinse the green beans under cool running water. Then, trim the ends by snapping or cutting them off to get them ready for cooking.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, place the chopped bacon and cook it over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon is crispy. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and set it on a paper towel to soak up any extra grease, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
3. Sauté the Onion:
In the same pan with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Combine the Green Beans:
Add the cleaned green beans to the skillet and stir them around to coat with the bacon fat and the onion mixture. They should look bright and fresh!
6. Simmer with Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle the mixture with salt, black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes. Stir to combine everything well.
7. Cook Until Tender:
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. Check for tenderness—the beans should be cooked through but still have a slight crunch!
8. Reduce Liquid:
If there’s still a lot of liquid left in the pan, remove the lid and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes to help reduce it to your desired consistency.
9. Add Bacon Back In:
Once the beans are cooked to your liking, stir the reserved crispy bacon back into the green beans for that delicious crunch and flavor.
10. Final Touches:
Take a moment to taste your Southern Style Green Beans. Adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve them warm as a savory side dish at your next meal!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen green beans! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the recipe, as they may release more water during cooking than fresh beans.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add a little liquid smoke or smoked paprika for that smoky flavor!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can cook the green beans and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
What Do I Serve with Southern Style Green Beans?
These green beans pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes! Consider serving them alongside fried chicken, grilled meats, or even as part of a hearty vegetarian meal with cornbread and mac and cheese for a true Southern feast!