If you’re searching for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make side dish for your Thanksgiving meal, look no further than Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans. This flavorful recipe combines tender green beans with crispy bacon, garlic, and onions to create a savory dish that complements any main course. Whether you’re a busy parent, a food enthusiast, or simply someone who loves Southern comfort food, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Jump to
- What Are Southern Bacon and Green Beans?
- Why You’ll Love This Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe
- Ingredients List for Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans
- Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans
- Substitutions and Variations
- Storage and Reheating Tips for Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans
- FAQs
- Serving and Presentation Tips
- Related recipes
- Final thoughts
What Are Southern Bacon and Green Beans?
Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a staple in Southern cuisine. It’s known for its simple ingredients and easy preparation, making it the perfect dish for busy families and large gatherings. The recipe typically features fresh green beans that are sautéed with bacon, onions, and garlic, then simmered until tender. The bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the natural taste of the beans, creating a savory combination that’s both hearty and delicious.
This dish is a traditional favorite in Southern households, especially during the holidays. It’s often served alongside fried chicken, roast pork, or turkey, making it a versatile side dish that pairs well with many different proteins.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe
What makes this Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe stand out is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy bacon provides a satisfying crunch, while the green beans remain tender and slightly crisp. The garlic and onions infuse the dish with savory depth, making each bite flavorful and mouthwatering.
The best part? This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, even for novice cooks. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a side dish that feels both comforting and gourmet. Plus, the recipe can be customized to suit different dietary preferences or ingredients you have on hand, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Ingredients List for Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans
To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and washed
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water (optional)
These ingredients are simple, easy to find at most grocery stores, and work together to create a mouthwatering side dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans
Making Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare the Green Beans
Begin by rinsing and trimming the ends of your fresh green beans. If the beans are too long, feel free to cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel to drain any excess fat.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the bacon drippings. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, and the garlic becomes fragrant. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
4. Add the Green Beans
Next, add the prepared green beans to the skillet along with the sautéed onions and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Stir everything together to combine.
5. Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth (or water, if you prefer) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the beans cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they reach the desired tenderness. Stir occasionally to ensure the beans cook evenly.
6. Finish the Dish
Once the green beans are tender, stir in the crispy bacon and cook for an additional minute to let the flavors meld together.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the dish to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley (optional) for a touch of color. Serve and enjoy your Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans as a perfect side dish for any occasion.
Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe is already delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the bacon with olive oil or a plant-based bacon substitute for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Lower-Fat Option: Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce the fat content.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to the dish for extra color and flavor.
- Spices and Herbs: For added flavor, try incorporating other herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or paprika.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans
If you have leftovers, store your Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If you prefer, you can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Expert Tips for Success
To ensure your Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans turn out perfectly, here are some expert tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Green Beans: For the best texture, avoid overcooking the green beans. They should be tender but still slightly crisp.
- Drain the Bacon Well: After cooking the bacon, make sure to drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease. This will help the bacon stay crispy when mixed with the green beans.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed.
FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen green beans if fresh ones aren’t available. However, make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before cooking.
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans pairs wonderfully with roast turkey, fried chicken, or baked ham. It also goes well with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or other classic Southern sides.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To elevate the presentation of your Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans, serve them in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic look. You can also garnish the dish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to add a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
Related recipes
Print
Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a comforting, flavorful side dish made with tender green beans, crispy bacon, garlic, and onions. Perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving, this dish brings together smoky bacon and savory beans for a delicious combination.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and washed
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water (optional)
Instructions
- Start by rinsing and trimming the ends of your green beans. Cut them into smaller pieces if needed.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in the bacon drippings until softened and fragrant.
- Add the prepared green beans to the skillet, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional).
- Pour in chicken broth or water (if using) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Once the beans are tender, stir in the crispy bacon and cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors.
- Serve and enjoy! Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color.
Notes
Ensure not to overcook the green beans so they remain tender but slightly crisp. Drain bacon well to keep it crispy when mixed with the beans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Final thoughts
Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a simple yet flavorful side dish that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or just looking for a new favorite recipe, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. With its savory combination of bacon, green beans, and garlic, it’s a comforting Southern classic that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. So gather your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!
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