Southern Style Green Beans bring simple freshness to your table. Cooked with bits of bacon and sweet onions, they’re full of flavor and comfort!
I love how they brighten up any meal. Plus, they are super easy to make—just simmer and enjoy the delicious smell while they cook!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best for this recipe as they provide that nice crunch. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen green beans are a decent substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
Bacon: Bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon or omit it altogether. For a vegetarian version, add some smoked paprika for a similar flavor without the meat.
Onion and Garlic: These two are essential for building flavor. I recommend using yellow onions for sweetness, but white onions will work too. Fresh garlic gives the best taste, but in a pinch, garlic powder can be used.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the dish, but vegetable broth will do fine for a vegetarian option. You can also use water if broth isn’t available, though it won’t have as much flavor.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor Out of My Onions and Garlic?
Sauteing onions and garlic adds complexity to your green beans. To get the best flavor:
- Cook the onions in the bacon fat over medium heat until they’re soft, which releases their natural sugars.
- Don’t rush it! A good 5 minutes will allow their flavor to develop.
- When adding garlic, cook for only about a minute—overcooking can make it bitter.
These steps really enhance the dish, turning simple green beans into something special! Adding the garlic at the right time ensures it doesn’t lose its bright flavor. Enjoy your cooking!
Southern Style Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a slight kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southern style green beans recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, giving you a total of about 40 minutes to prepare and enjoy this comforting side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it gets nice and crispy. This should take about 7-10 minutes. When it’s crispy, remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set them aside. Make sure to leave the tasty bacon fat in the pot; it’s full of flavor!
2. Sauté the Onions:
Next, add the chopped onion to the bacon fat in the pot. Sauté it over medium heat until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This step brings out the sweetness of the onions.
3. Add Garlic:
Now, it’s time for the garlic! Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant but be careful not to burn it—burned garlic can taste bitter!
4. Stir in Green Beans:
Time to add the green beans! Toss them into the pot and stir everything together so that the green beans are coated with the delicious onion and garlic mix.
5. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, letting the flavors combine.
6. Simmer the Beans:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes. You want the green beans to be tender but still have a bit of a crunch to them!
7. Finish with Butter and Bacon:
After simmering, stir in the butter and the crispy bacon pieces you set aside. Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to—the flavors should be just right!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these warm, flavorful green beans as a classic Southern side dish. They pair wonderfully with almost any meal! Enjoy the comforting taste of home cooking!
Enjoy your flavorful Southern Style Green Beans, filled with tender green beans infused with smoky bacon and aromatic onions!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before adding them to the pot. Cooking time may be slightly reduced, so keep an eye on them while they simmer.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you’d like a healthier option or are cooking for vegetarians, turkey bacon or smoked turkey pieces can work well. For a completely vegetarian dish, omit the bacon and add a bit of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like a bit of heat, consider adding 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you sauté the onions, or even diced jalapeños for a bolder kick. Adjust to your taste!