Quick & Easy Southern Bacon And Green Beans Recipe

Looking for a simple, delicious, and comforting dish to add to your meal rotation? This Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe is exactly what you need! Southern-style green beans cooked with smoky bacon are rich in flavor, making this dish perfect as a side or even a main course. In this article, we’ll walk you through all the steps to create this iconic Southern recipe, discuss variations, and offer tips for the best results. Keep reading for all the details on how to make this mouthwatering dish that will have your family asking for seconds!

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What are Southern Bacon and Green Beans?

Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a classic dish known for its deep, savory flavors. The combination of crispy bacon with tender green beans cooked in bacon grease makes this recipe a beloved comfort food in Southern cuisine. The green beans absorb the salty, smoky essence of the bacon, and with the addition of onions, garlic, and a few other spices, the flavors are truly elevated. It’s a great side dish to accompany roasted meats, fried chicken, or as a hearty addition to any meal.

Ingredients List for Southern Bacon and Green Beans

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Southern dish. Be sure to gather all your ingredients before you start cooking!

• 1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed and cleaned)
• 6 slices of thick-cut bacon (diced)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• ½ cup chicken broth (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Ingredients List for Southern Bacon and Green Beans (Optional Add-ins)

While the basic recipe is already amazing, you can customize it by adding some optional ingredients to give it an extra kick or unique flavor:

• 1 tablespoon butter (for added richness)
• Ham hocks or smoked turkey (for a more robust smoky flavor)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a tangy bite)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for a sweet and savory contrast)
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (for a bit of freshness)
• Chopped tomatoes (adds color and slight acidity)
• A dash of hot sauce (if you like some heat in your greens)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is its versatility. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can make based on dietary preferences or availability of ingredients:

• Turkey bacon or smoked turkey: For a healthier or pork-free version, swap out the regular bacon for turkey bacon or small pieces of smoked turkey.
• Frozen or canned green beans: While fresh green beans are ideal, you can use frozen or even canned green beans in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and drain canned beans well.
• Vegan version: For a plant-based twist, omit the bacon entirely and use olive oil or plant-based butter, adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate that smoky flavor.
• Extra vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to bulk up the dish and add more texture.
• Spicy version: For a bit of a kick, add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle some sriracha or hot sauce on top before serving.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients and variations in mind, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, flavorful result every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and trimming the green beans. If using fresh beans, snap off the ends and rinse them thoroughly. Dice your bacon and chop your onion and garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet or cast iron pan, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once the bacon is cooked through and golden, remove it from the pan with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan with the bacon grease, add your chopped onions and cook them over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Green Beans

Next, add the cleaned green beans into the pan, tossing them to coat with the onion, garlic, and bacon fat mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour the chicken broth over the green beans (if using) to deglaze the pan and bring in more flavor. Allow the beans to simmer, covered, for about 10-12 minutes or until they reach your desired level of tenderness. If you prefer crunchier green beans, reduce the simmering time.

Step 6: Season and Add Bacon Back

Once the beans are tender, season them with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like sugar, red pepper flakes, or apple cider vinegar. Stir the cooked bacon back into the pan and mix everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from heat, and your Southern Bacon and Green Beans are ready to serve!

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

Here’s a quick recap of the process for making Southern Bacon and Green Beans:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash and trim green beans, chop bacon, onion, and garlic.
2. Cook the bacon: Fry the diced bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside.
3. Sauté onions and garlic: In the bacon grease, cook onions until translucent, then add garlic.
4. Cook the green beans: Toss the green beans into the pan and cook for a few minutes.
5. Simmer: Add chicken broth and cover the pan, simmering until beans are tender.
6. Add bacon back: Stir the crispy bacon into the beans and adjust seasonings.
7. Serve hot: Enjoy your delicious Southern-style side dish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Southern Bacon and Green Beans, it’s easy to make a few simple mistakes that could affect the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overcooking the green beans: Green beans should be tender but still have a slight bite. Overcooking can turn them mushy, so keep an eye on them while they simmer.
• Not rendering the bacon properly: If the bacon isn’t crispy enough, it can make the dish greasy. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned and crisp.
• Under-seasoning: Bacon is salty, but don’t forget to taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Southern Bacon and Green Beans is typically served as a side dish, but it can be the star of the meal with the right presentation. Here are a few tips for serving and presenting your dish beautifully:

• Serve in a cast iron skillet: For a rustic Southern vibe, serve the dish directly from a cast iron skillet at the table.
• Garnish with herbs: Sprinkle a bit of chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the beans for a pop of color and freshness.
• Pair with Southern staples: Serve alongside cornbread, mashed potatoes, or fried chicken for a truly Southern meal.

How to Serve Southern Bacon and Green Beans

This dish pairs well with a variety of other Southern favorites. Here are a few ideas for serving it:

• As a side dish: Pair with baked ham, roasted chicken, or grilled pork chops for a hearty meal.
• With other veggies: Serve alongside collard greens, mashed sweet potatoes, or fried okra for a true Southern feast.
• In a meal bowl: For a lighter option, serve the bacon and green beans over a bed of rice or quinoa for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Presentation Ideas for Southern Bacon and Green Beans

Here are some creative ways to elevate the presentation of your Southern Bacon and Green Beans:

• Layered presentation: Place the green beans in a shallow serving dish and sprinkle the crispy bacon bits on top for a layered look.
• Serve in individual ramekins: For a more elegant approach, portion the green beans into individual ramekins or bowls, garnished with a sprig of thyme or parsley.
• Color contrast: Add a few diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color that contrasts beautifully with the green beans and bacon.

Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe Tips

• Use thick-cut bacon for a more satisfying texture and deeper flavor.
• Add broth if you want a saucier dish, but be careful not to add too much as it can make the beans too soft.
• Balance the flavors with a pinch of sugar or vinegar to enhance the smoky and savory elements.
• Cook in stages: First crisp up the bacon, then cook the beans in the rendered fat to maximize flavor absorption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen green beans?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just be sure to thaw them and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra water in the dish.

What can I use instead of bacon?

You can substitute turkey bacon, pancetta, or smoked sausage for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, try adding mushrooms or smoked paprika for

a similar taste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can make Southern Bacon and Green Beans ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful dishes. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing side or main dish that showcases the best of Southern comfort food. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try some of the variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and enjoy this Southern classic tonight!

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