Quick & Easy Southern Bacon And Green Beans Recipe
This Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is a quick and easy side dish packed with flavor. Fresh green beans are sautéed with crispy bacon, onions, garlic, and chicken broth for a savory, smoky taste. Finished with a touch of butter and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Southern
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh green beans (trimmed and washed)
- 5-6 slices of bacon (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the green beans and chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the beans are tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in the butter for extra richness, if desired.
- Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and toss with the green beans. Serve warm.
Notes
- Frozen or canned green beans can be substituted if fresh ones aren’t available.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes for more or less heat.
- Serve as a side with roasted chicken, steak, or your favorite Southern main course.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg