Quick & Easy Southern Bacon And Green Beans Recipe

If you're looking for a quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make side dish, this Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is the perfect fit. The combination of crispy bacon and tender green beans, cooked with just the right amount of seasoning, delivers a savory side that pairs wonderfully with almost any main dish. This Southern classic is a staple at holiday dinners, potlucks, or even weekday meals, and it comes together in under 30 minutes. Read on for the full recipe and tips to make your Southern Bacon and Green Beans truly shine.

What Is Southern Bacon and Green Beans?

Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a simple yet flavorful side dish that combines fresh or canned green beans with crispy, smoky bacon. The bacon adds richness and a savory depth, while onions and garlic enhance the flavor even more. This dish is cooked until the green beans are tender but still have a bit of bite, making it a great accompaniment to meats like fried chicken, pork chops, or roasted turkey. It’s a dish that embodies Southern comfort and flavor.

Ingredients List for Southern Bacon and Green Beans

Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick and easy Southern classic:

• 1 pound fresh green beans (trimmed and washed): You can use frozen or canned green beans if fresh ones aren’t available.
• 5-6 slices of bacon (cut into 1-inch pieces): Smoky bacon adds tons of flavor to this dish.
• 1 small onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Provides a nice garlic kick.
• ½ cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the beans.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the beans.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional): Adds extra richness to the green beans.
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some great ways to customize this recipe to suit your needs or preferences:

• Turkey bacon: Use turkey bacon for a leaner option while still getting that smoky flavor.
• Canned or frozen green beans: If you don't have fresh green beans, you can substitute canned or frozen ones. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—frozen may take longer, and canned will cook much quicker.
• Ham or sausage: If you're out of bacon, you can use diced ham or sausage for a similar savory flavor.
• Vegetarian option: Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. You can also use a plant-based bacon substitute.
• Garlic butter: For even more richness, stir in extra garlic butter at the end.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create this Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

1. Cook the bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet for flavor (you can remove excess if there’s too much).

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

1. Sauté onions: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the chopped onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 3: Cook the Green Beans

1. Add the green beans: Toss the green beans into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to coat the beans in the bacon grease and onion mixture.
2. Pour in the chicken broth: Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer. This will help cook the beans and infuse them with flavor.
3. Simmer the beans: Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the green beans are tender but still have a slight bite. Stir occasionally.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Season the beans: Once the green beans are tender, uncover the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Stir in the bacon: Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet and stir to combine. If you want extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter at this point and let it melt into the beans.
3. Serve: Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and garnish with more crispy bacon if desired. Serve warm alongside your favorite main dish.

How to Cook Southern Bacon and Green Beans: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here are some tips to ensure your Southern Bacon and Green Beans come out perfect every time:

• Choose fresh green beans: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh green beans. They will have a nice bite and won’t become mushy during cooking.
• Use the right amount of bacon grease: You don’t need to use all the bacon grease, just enough to flavor the dish. About 1-2 tablespoons is usually perfect.
• Cook until tender-crisp: The goal is to cook the green beans until they are tender but still have a slight bite. Overcooking can make them mushy, so keep an eye on them.
• Simmer with chicken broth: The chicken broth not only adds moisture but also helps to steam the green beans, making them more flavorful and tender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is simple, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Not trimming the green beans: Make sure to trim the ends of your fresh green beans before cooking. The ends can be tough and fibrous.
• Using too much bacon grease: While bacon grease adds great flavor, too much can make the dish overly greasy. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons.
• Overcooking the green beans: Keep an eye on your beans while simmering. Overcooking can make them lose their bright green color and become mushy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some ways to present and serve your Southern Bacon and Green Beans for a lovely meal:

• Family-style: Serve the green beans directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation.
• Garnish with bacon: For a nice touch, reserve some crispy bacon and sprinkle it on top just before serving for extra crunch.
• Add fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top can add a pop of color and fresh flavor to the dish.

How to Serve Southern Bacon and Green Beans

This dish is best served hot and pairs wonderfully with almost any Southern-style main course. Here are a few ideas:

• Pair with fried chicken or pork chops: The salty, savory flavor of the bacon and green beans pairs perfectly with crispy fried chicken or juicy pork chops.
• Serve with mashed potatoes: For a full Southern spread, serve this dish alongside buttery mashed potatoes and gravy.
• Great for holiday meals: This is a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any large family gathering.

Presentation Ideas for Southern Bacon and Green Beans

To elevate the presentation of this dish:

• Use a cast-iron skillet: Serving the green beans straight from a cast-iron skillet adds a rustic, Southern touch.
• Garnish with extra bacon: For a prettier presentation, sprinkle extra crispy bacon crumbles on top before serving.
• Serve in a shallow dish: A shallow serving dish allows you to showcase the vibrant green beans and bacon together, making the dish visually appealing.

Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe Tips

Here are a few tips to take your Southern Bacon and Green Beans to the next level:

• Add a splash of vinegar: If you like a little tang, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar at the end of cooking to balance the richness.
• Use smoked bacon: For even more smoky flavor, use smoked bacon or add a drop of liquid smoke to the broth.
• Make it ahead: You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Just reheat gently in a skillet to preserve the texture of the green beans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned green beans?
A: Yes, you can use canned green beans in this recipe. Simply drain them and reduce the cooking time since they are already cooked. Add them in at the point where you add the chicken broth, and simmer for 3-5 minutes.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make this dish up to a day in advance. Just reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep the beans moist.

Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Absolutely! Frozen green beans work well in this recipe. Thaw them before adding to the skillet, or add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if adding them straight from frozen.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is a perfect side dish for any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. The combination of tender green beans, crispy bacon, and a touch of seasoning creates a dish that's full of flavor, yet simple enough to make in under 30 minutes. Whether you serve it alongside fried chicken, pork chops, or a Thanksgiving turkey, these green beans are sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy this Southern comfort food classic!

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