Quick & Zesty Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe

Southern kitchens buzz with comfort when a classic bacon and green beans recipe arrives at the table.

Crisp bacon adds smoky depth to tender green vegetables simmering with rustic charm.

Grandmothers across alabama and georgia have perfected this simple side dish through generations.

Skillet magic happens when fat renders and beans soften into a delectable harmony.

Salt and pepper become secret weapons in creating maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Fresh ingredients make this dish shine with pure, unpretentious southern soul.

You’ll want seconds of this irresistible combination that celebrates regional culinary traditions.

Southern Bacon And Green Beans – Salty, Savory Perfection

• Minimal Kitchen Skills Needed: Perfect for beginners and home cooks with basic culinary knowledge, requiring simple mixing and layering techniques.
• Zero Oven Required: No baking means less hassle, faster preparation, and keeping your kitchen cool during warm seasons.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Individually portioned mini pies make serving a breeze, creating a delightful presentation that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows creative toppings like chocolate shavings, different fruits, or nuts to match personal preferences and make each pie unique.

Everything For Southern Bacon And Green Beans

• Bacon: A classic Southern ingredient that adds smoky, rich flavor and crispy texture to the green beans.

• Green Beans: Fresh vegetables that provide a crisp and tender base for this Southern-style side dish.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the overall flavor profile of the recipe.
• Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic element that enhances the dish's taste.

• Chicken Broth: Helps to cook and infuse flavor into the green beans.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the natural flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes, Smoked Paprika: Optional spices that can add heat and smoky complexity to the dish.

Steps To Southern Bacon And Green Beans At Home

Step 1: Sizzle Crispy Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook bacon until it transforms into golden, crunchy perfection. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain, keeping a delightful layer of bacon grease in the skillet.

Step 2: Saute Sweet Onions

Toss diced onions into the bacon-infused skillet and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet and stir for about a minute, allowing the kitchen to fill with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Liquid Base

Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer, creating a rich cooking environment for the green beans.

Step 5: Cook Fresh Green Beans

Add fresh green beans to the skillet, cover, and let them cook until they’re tender yet maintain a delightful crisp texture.

Step 6: Season With Zesty Spices

Enhance the dish with salt and pepper. For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to elevate the flavor profile.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Crumble the crispy bacon over the green beans, creating a mouthwatering topping that adds crunch and smoky goodness to the dish.

Tips For Tasty Southern Bacon And Green Beans

• Keep bacon slightly undercooked if you want extra crispiness when reheating later.
• Use fresh green beans for the best texture and vibrant color in the dish.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning.
• Swap bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version or vegetarian bacon for plant-based diets.
• Add sliced almonds or chopped pecans for extra crunch and southern-style nutty flavor.

Creative Ways To Enjoy Southern Bacon And Green Beans

• Smoky Sausage Fusion: Replace bacon with sliced smoked sausage for a hearty protein boost and deeper flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Add chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano to transform the dish with Mediterranean-inspired seasonings.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Incorporate Cajun seasoning and andouille sausage for a bold, zesty Southern-style variation that brings extra heat.
• Asian-Inspired Green Beans: Swap chicken broth with soy sauce, add minced ginger, and top with toasted sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired version.

Pair Southern Bacon And Green Beans With Dinner

• Southern Comfort Plating
• Pile the green beans onto a rustic wooden serving board, letting the crispy bacon crumbles cascade over the top for a rustic farmhouse feel.
• Countryside Picnic Style
• Serve in a large cast-iron skillet right from the stovetop, creating a family-style presentation that screams homemade southern cooking.
• Sunday Dinner Elegance
• Plate the green beans in individual white ceramic dishes, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and arranging bacon bits in a delicate circular pattern for a refined touch.
• Potluck Party Presentation
• Transfer the green beans to a large ceramic serving dish, sprinkle bacon generously across the surface, and place a small serving spoon alongside for easy community-style sharing.

Store Southern Bacon And Green Beans The Smart Way

• Transfer leftover bacon and green beans to an airtight container, ensuring it cools completely before sealing. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Place cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat to prevent bacon from becoming rubbery. Add small splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Keep bacon crumbles separate from green beans when storing. Add crispy bacon bits just before serving to maintain their crunchy texture and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just adjust the cooking time slightly and ensure they’re thawed before adding to the skillet.

• What if I don't have chicken broth?

You can substitute with water or vegetable broth. The chicken broth adds more flavor, but the dish will still taste great with alternatives.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Southern bacon and green beans dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be easily reheated in a microwave or skillet.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

To reduce calories, use turkey bacon or reduce the bacon amount. You can also add more herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor without added fat.

Quick & Easy Southern Bacon And Green Beans Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern bacon and green beans bring classic comfort to your dinner table. Crisp bacon and tender green beans create a flavorful side dish that connects you to traditional Southern cooking.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 lb green beans (fresh, trimmed and washed or frozen)
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes
• Optional: Smoked paprika

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat skillet over medium temperature, rendering bacon until golden and crisp, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels, preserving a thin layer of rendered fat in pan.
2. Sauté diced onions in residual bacon drippings for 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened.
3. Introduce minced garlic, stirring continuously for 45-60 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
4. Carefully pour chicken broth into skillet, allowing liquid to reach gentle simmer.
5. Incorporate fresh green beans into simmering broth, covering skillet and reducing heat to medium-low. Cook for 8-10 minutes, ensuring beans maintain slight crispness.
6. Enhance flavor profile by seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional spice elements like red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
7. Crush reserved crispy bacon into rustic fragments, generously scattering over prepared green beans just before presenting dish.

Notes

• Bacon fat can be swapped with olive oil for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version of the dish.
• Try different bacon varieties like maple or pepper-crusted to add unique flavor profiles.
• Cut green beans diagonally for more visually appealing presentation and even cooking.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and customize seasoning to personal taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg