Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that brings the soulful charm of the South straight to your dinner table without hours of fuss, you’ve got to try this Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of smoky, savory bacon paired with tender green beans, kissed with just the right touch of sweetness and spice. Whether you need a standout side for your weeknight meal or a comforting addition to your holiday spread, this southern-inspired recipe delivers flavor and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step in creating the perfect Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe. Each element plays a vital role, from adding smoky depth to a hint of sweetness and just the right amount of seasoning, plus that fresh pop of green from the beans themselves.
- 1 pound fresh green beans (ends trimmed): Choose crisp, fresh beans for the best texture and color in your dish.
- 6 slices bacon (chopped): Smoky bacon infuses the beans with rich flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Brings a subtle sweetness and savory base that balances the dish beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that complements the smoky bacon perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Lends a warm, aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional): Enhances moisture and richness, making the green beans tender and flavorful.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just a hint of spice to round out the taste.
- Salt to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together just right.
How to Make Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the chopped bacon until it turns perfectly crispy, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t rush here—the bacon needs to render its fat fully to create the flavorful base of this dish. Once crispy, remove the bacon but leave all that glorious grease in the pan; it’s going to add so much taste to the green beans.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions in Bacon Grease
Next, toss your diced onions into the warm skillet with the bacon grease. Cook them gently for around 3 to 5 minutes until they become translucent and tender. This step is crucial—it helps develop a natural sweetness and soft texture that complements the smoky bacon wonderfully.
Step 3: Stir in Brown Sugar, Garlic Powder, and Black Pepper
Sprinkle the brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper over the onions, stirring to combine. Let the mixture cook for another two minutes so the fragrant aromas can mingle and intensify. This sweet-savory blend is what gives this recipe its signature southern flair.
Step 4: Add the Green Beans and Toss
Now it’s time to bring in the star of the show: the green beans. Add them straight into the skillet and toss well so each bean gets coated in that flavorful onion and spice mixture. This ensures every bite is bursting with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky goodness.
Step 5: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the optional chicken broth to the skillet to add moisture and depth of flavor. Bring everything to a gentle simmer before reducing the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let those green beans cook slowly for about 15 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness. This slow simmer is where the magic happens—the beans soak up all the delicious flavors and turn tender but still vibrant.
Step 6: Return Bacon and Combine
Once the beans are ready, stir the crisp bacon back into the skillet. Mix everything well to combine the smoky bacon with the tender green beans for 2 more minutes, allowing the flavors to marry perfectly. This final toss ensures every forkful is rich, comforting, and absolutely satisfying.
Step 7: Season and Serve Hot
Before serving, season the dish with salt according to your taste. Serve these southern-style green beans hot, making sure to scoop up some of that bacon and onion goodness with every bite. It’s an easy step that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of crispy fried onions can add wonderful color and texture to your dish. These simple garnishes bring a fresh, vibrant touch that enhances the homey southern vibe perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic southern staples like cornbread, mashed potatoes, or even a juicy grilled steak. The balance of smoky, sweet, and savory in the green beans complements a variety of mains and rounds out any meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe in a rustic cast iron skillet right at the table for a cozy and inviting presentation. For a more casual approach, toss everything into a pretty serving bowl and let everyone dig in family-style. Either way, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover southern bacon and green beans store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. they will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an easy option for quick lunches or dinners on busy days.
Freezing
Although green beans can be frozen, keep in mind that the texture can become a bit softer after thawing. If you plan to freeze the dish, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within a month for best taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your green beans in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep them tender and retain the bacon’s crispness. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help prevent sticking and keep the dish moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen green beans instead of fresh?
While fresh green beans give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen green beans as a convenient alternative. Just adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking and retain some bite.
Is chicken broth necessary in this recipe?
The chicken broth is optional but highly recommended. It adds moisture and enriches the flavor, helping to cook the beans tender without drying them out.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can skip the bacon and use olive oil or butter instead for sautéing. Adding smoked paprika can help mimic the smoky flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mildly seasoned with black pepper and garlic powder, making it perfect for those who enjoy subtle, warming spices rather than heat.
What other seasonings can I add?
Feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist to personalize your dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet simple enough to whip up anytime, the Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe is a definite winner. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on your plate and becomes a fast favorite in your kitchen. So grab those green beans and bacon—your taste buds are in for a true southern treat!
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Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A quick and easy Southern-inspired recipe featuring fresh green beans cooked with crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, and savory spices. This comforting side dish is perfect for adding a flavorful twist to any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 1 medium onion, diced
Meat
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
Dry Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- salt to taste
Liquids
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook until the onion is translucent and soft, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add spices and sugar: Stir in the brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper with the onions. Cook for another 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
- Toss in green beans: Add the green beans to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the onion and sugar mixture.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken broth if using, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook until the green beans are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Combine bacon and finish cooking: Once green beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, return the cooked bacon to the skillet. Stir well to combine and heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Season and serve: Season with salt to taste, give everything a final stir, and serve hot as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If you prefer crisper green beans, reduce simmering time slightly.
- You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar.
- Leftover green beans are great reheated and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar after cooking can add a nice tangy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Southern green beans, bacon green beans, easy green bean recipe, quick side dish, Southern cooking
