Smoky Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe That Wows

Southern kitchens buzz with comfort and warmth, where classic bacon and green beans recipe traditions shine bright.

This simple southern side dish blends crispy bacon with tender green beans in a mouthwatering harmony.

Rich, smoky bacon infuses each green bean with deep, satisfying flavor that screams home cooking.

Generations of cooks have perfected this classic combination, turning humble ingredients into something magical.

Fresh green beans sizzle alongside crisp bacon pieces, creating a side dish that complements any main course.

The aroma of this dish will draw hungry family members to the kitchen faster than you can say “dinner’s ready”.

One bite promises to transport you straight to a cozy southern dining room, where every meal feels like a celebration.

Southern Bacon & Green Beans in Minutes

• Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary green beans into a mouthwatering side dish that brings southern comfort right to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Maximize Flavor with Minimal Ingredients: Create a delicious vegetable side using just a few pantry staples like bacon, onions, and green beans, making this recipe incredibly budget-friendly and simple to prepare.
• Quick Southern Comfort: Whip up a classic southern-style side dish in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy families wanting a tasty vegetable accompaniment that feels like a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Impress both kids and adults with a savory green bean recipe that combines crispy bacon, tender vegetables, and rich seasonings, making it an ideal dish for family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.

Gather Ingredients for Southern Bacon Green Beans

• Bacon: A flavorful and crispy ingredient that adds a smoky taste and texture to the green beans.

• Green Beans, Onion, Garlic: Fresh green beans provide a crisp vegetable base, while onion and garlic add depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Chicken Broth, Butter: These ingredients enhance the overall taste, adding warmth, spice, and richness to the southern-style green bean preparation.

Cooking Up Quick Southern Bacon Green Beans

Step 1: Sizzle The Bacon

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until perfectly crispy.

Transfer the bacon to a plate, keeping those delicious drippings in the pan.

Step 2: Caramelize The Onions

Drop chopped onions into the bacon drippings and sauté until they turn soft and golden, creating a sweet aromatic base.

Step 3: Awaken The Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet and cook briefly until its incredible fragrance fills your kitchen.

Step 4: Simmer The Green Beans

Add green beans and chicken broth to the skillet.

Cover and let everything simmer gently, allowing the beans to become tender and absorb all the wonderful flavors.

Step 5: Season And Enhance

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Optional: Stir in butter for extra richness and depth.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Crumble the crispy bacon and toss it back into the green beans.

Mix everything together and serve the dish piping hot, creating a Southern-style side that’ll make mouths water.

Tips for Smoky, Savory Green Beans

• Pat bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease and ensure crispy, not soggy texture.
• Save some bacon drippings for sautéing onions to intensify the smoky, rich taste of the dish.
• Select bright green, firm beans without blemishes for the best texture and nutritional value.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal preference, adding gradually for balanced heat.
• For a lighter version, use turkey bacon and reduce butter quantity while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

Ways to Change Up Southern Bacon Green Beans

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the smoky flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon and low-sodium chicken broth to reduce salt content while keeping the dish flavorful.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap chicken broth with bone broth and add extra bacon for increased fat content, perfect for ketogenic diet followers.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Confirm all ingredients are gluten-free certified, particularly checking chicken broth and bacon labels to ensure total compatibility for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Plating Ideas for Southern Bacon And Green Beans

• Southern Comfort Plate Pairing: Serve alongside crispy fried chicken or juicy roasted pork for a classic Southern-style meal that celebrates hearty comfort food traditions.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform this dish into a breakfast masterpiece by topping with a perfectly fried egg and serving with warm buttermilk biscuits for a satisfying morning feast.
• Potluck Perfection: Bring this crowd-pleasing side dish to family gatherings or community events, where its rich flavors and simple preparation will make it an instant favorite among friends and relatives.
• Quick Meal Upgrade: Toss the bacon and green beans over creamy mashed potatoes or rice for a complete one-pan meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Best Practices for Storing Southern Bacon And Green Beans

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled beans to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Place flat to save space and prevent freezer burn.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Avoid overheating to maintain bacon's crispy texture.

FAQs

• What makes bacon drippings so flavorful in this recipe?

Bacon drippings are packed with rich, smoky flavor that naturally seasons the green beans and onions, adding depth and richness to the entire dish without needing extra spices.

• Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen green beans work perfectly. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking to maintain the best texture and flavor.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! Green beans and bacon are typically affordable ingredients, and this recipe uses simple, inexpensive pantry staples that create a delicious side dish without breaking the bank.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

To reduce calories, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, drain excess fat after cooking, and use less butter or replace it with a small amount of olive oil for a lighter version.

Quick & Easy Southern Bacon And Green Beans Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

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

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Description

Southern kitchens buzz with comfort when classic Bacon and Green Beans grace dinner tables, blending smoky pork richness with garden-fresh vegetables. Savory Southern traditions come alive in this simple skillet dish that connects families through delicious, hearty flavors you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 5–6 slices bacon

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt
• Pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Liquid Ingredient:

• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes, transferring crispy pieces to a paper towel-lined plate while preserving the rendered fat.
2. Introduce diced onions into the bacon drippings, sautéing until translucent and softened, stirring occasionally for about 4 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic into the onion mixture, allowing aromatics to bloom and release fragrant notes for roughly 30-45 seconds.
4. Add fresh green beans and chicken broth to the skillet, covering with a tight-fitting lid and reducing heat to low, allowing vegetables to steam and tenderize for 10-12 minutes.
5. Enhance the dish’s flavor profile by seasoning with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
6. Optional: Swirl in cold butter to create a luxurious, silky finish and add depth to the vegetable preparation.
7. Crumble reserved crispy bacon over the green beans, gently folding to distribute evenly, ensuring each serving includes savory bacon fragments.
8. Transfer to a serving dish and present immediately while beans remain warm and bacon maintains its delightful crunch.

Notes

• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or tempeh to create a lighter, healthier version that still packs incredible flavor.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt quantities during seasoning.
• Enhance nutrition by adding sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and protein boost.
• For vegetarian adaptation, replace bacon drippings with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 146 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg