These Southern Style Green Beans are a comforting side dish, packed with flavor and simplicity. Cooked with tender beans, savory bacon, and a hint of garlic, they bring warmth to any meal.
Honestly, I love how easy it is to whip these up! Just a few ingredients and you’ve got a dish that makes your dinner feel like a hug on a plate. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best for this dish, providing a nice crunch. If fresh beans aren’t available, you can use frozen green beans. Just adjust the cooking time as they typically take less time to cook.
Bacon: Bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works well too! For a vegetarian version, you can skip the bacon and use olive oil instead to sauté the onions and garlic.
Onion & Garlic: Both are key for building flavor. You can swap the onion for shallots for a milder taste, or even use onion powder in a pinch. Fresh garlic adds great flavor, but you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is my go-to for better control of saltiness. If avoiding meat, vegetable broth is a great substitute, lending a flavorful base to the dish.
Butter: While butter adds a nice richness, you can skip it or use olive oil for a lighter option. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a dairy-free butter substitute.
How Do I Make Sure My Green Beans Are Tender but Not Mushy?
Getting green beans just right is key! Here’s how to ensure they turn out perfectly:
- Trim both ends of the green beans before cooking to remove tough spots.
- Start by boiling the mixture; this helps to gently soften the beans while they absorb all the flavors.
- Simmer them with the lid on to keep the moisture in, but check occasionally to stir. This helps in even cooking and prevents them from sticking or burning.
- Cooking time is crucial! Aim for 20-25 minutes for a tender result. If you prefer them a bit crunchier, start checking around the 15-minute mark.
With a bit of patience and these tips, you’ll have delicious green beans that are vibrant and perfectly cooked every time!
Southern Style Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and rinsed
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 35 minutes. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, place the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat. Keep cooking until it’s crispy—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s nice and crunchy, remove the bacon bits from the pan and set them aside, but don’t toss out the bacon fat. That’s where all the flavor is!
2. Sauté the Onions:
Using the leftover bacon fat in the pan, add in the finely chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This will build a wonderful base for your green beans.
3. Add Garlic:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until aromatic. You want to be careful not to let it burn, as that can make the dish bitter!
4. Mix in the Green Beans:
Add the fresh green beans to the pan and mix everything together. Make sure the beans are coated in the delicious bacon fat, onions, and garlic. This will add all the amazing flavors!
5. Pour in the Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over the green beans. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Turn the heat up to bring it all to a gentle boil.
6. Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the green beans simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly and to prevent sticking.
7. Final Touches:
Once the green beans are tender but still vibrant, add in the reserved crispy bacon and butter (if you want an extra touch of richness). Mix everything gently, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as you desire.
8. Serve Up:
Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and enjoy them warm! They make a fantastic Southern-style side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course.
Enjoy these savory Southern Style Green Beans, where every bite is packed with comfort and flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just keep in mind that they will require less cooking time. Start checking for tenderness after about 10-15 minutes of simmering.
What If I Don’t Have Bacon?
No worries! You can omit the bacon entirely for a vegetarian version, or substitute it with smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. Olive oil can also replace the bacon fat for sautéing the onions and garlic.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to help revive the flavor.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the green beans up to a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, let them cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently, adding a little broth to prevent them from drying out.
