Savory Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe You’ll Love

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when classic bacon and green beans hit the skillet.

Savory aromas fill the air, promising a delightful side dish that speaks of comfort.

Crisp green beans mingle with smoky bacon, creating a harmony of flavors familiar to many home cooks.

Simple ingredients dance together in a cast-iron pan, turning an ordinary vegetable into something extraordinary.

Salt and pepper whisper their magic, enhancing each delectable bite.

Crispy bacon pieces add a satisfying crunch that makes you want to dive right in.

Come savor this timeless southern classic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Variations to Try on Southern Bacon and Green Beans

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh strips or coconut bacon for a plant-based protein option that maintains a similar smoky flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon and reduce salt, incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary for added seasoning without increasing sodium content.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the onion sautéing stage to introduce a fiery kick to the classic green bean recipe.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Skip the butter and use extra bacon fat, ensuring all ingredients are high-fat and low-carb while maintaining the traditional southern cooking method.

Serving Suggestions for Southern Bacon and Green Beans

• Southern Comfort Plating: Serve this hearty dish on a rustic wooden board for a farmhouse-style presentation that highlights the crispy bacon and vibrant green beans.
• Family-Style Feast: Place the skillet directly on the table, allowing everyone to scoop generous portions alongside cornbread or fluffy mashed potatoes for a complete southern meal.
• Brunch Brilliance: Pair with sunny-side-up eggs and toast for a protein-packed breakfast that celebrates classic southern cooking and delivers maximum flavor in every bite.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the bacon and adds freshness to the dish.

Best Storage for Southern Bacon and Green Beans

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place green beans and bacon in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Warm beans in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent burning. Add a splash of water if mixture seems dry to maintain moisture.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon works well as a leaner alternative. It will provide a similar crispy texture and smoky flavor to the dish.

• How do I prevent the green beans from becoming mushy?

Cook green beans on medium heat and stir occasionally. Don’t overcook them – aim for tender-crisp texture, which takes about 10-12 minutes. Fresh or frozen green beans both work great.

• What type of green beans are best for this recipe?

Fresh green beans or frozen green beans are both excellent choices. Fresh green beans will give a slightly crisper texture, while frozen beans are convenient and still taste delicious.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Southern bacon and green beans recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your bacon is gluten-free, as some brands might have added gluten-containing ingredients.

Quick Southern Bacon and Green Beans: Reasons to Love

• Simplify Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this Southern-style dish perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Boost Flavor Quickly: Bacon grease adds rich, smoky depth to green beans, transforming a simple vegetable side into a mouthwatering accompaniment.
• One-Pan Wonder: Prepare the entire recipe in a single skillet, reducing cleanup and making meal preparation a breeze for busy households.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Classic Southern recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, delivering a delicious blend of crispy bacon and tender green beans.

Ingredients for Southern Bacon and Green Beans

• Bacon: Provides a rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the green beans.

• Green Beans: Fresh, tender green beans that form the main vegetable component of the dish.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Introduces a pungent and aromatic element to the recipe.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Butter: Adds extra richness and a creamy texture to the green bean dish.

How to Prepare Southern Bacon and Green Beans Quickly

Step 1: Sizzle The Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature.

Cook bacon until it transforms into crispy, golden perfection.

Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Step 2: Caramelize The Onions

Using the same skillet with delicious bacon drippings, sauté diced onions until they become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Infuse With Garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet and let it dance and release its fragrant oils for about one minute, creating a delightful base of flavor.

Step 4: Bring Green Beans To Life

• Green beans
• Remaining bacon grease
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of black pepper

Stir and cook the green beans for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they become tender yet maintain a slight crunch.

Step 5: Enhance With Butter

Add a pat of butter to create a luxurious, silky finish to the green beans, melting smoothly into the dish.

Step 6: Final Touch And Serve

Crumble the reserved crispy bacon over the green beans.

Gently mix to distribute the bacon throughout the dish.

Serve immediately while warm, bringing Southern comfort to your table.

Tips for Southern Bacon and Green Beans Success

• Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to achieve perfect crunchiness without burning.
• Use the bacon grease as a natural flavor enhancer when sautéing onions and garlic.
• Stir occasionally while cooking to ensure even tenderness and prevent sticking.
• Skip the butter and use a small amount of olive oil for a lighter version of the dish.
• Choose fresh, crisp green beans for the best taste and texture in this Southern-style side dish.

Quick & Easy Southern Bacon And Green Beans Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern bacon and green beans shine as a classic side dish packed with smoky flavor and Southern comfort. Crispy bacon bits and tender green beans create a simple, hearty complement to any main course you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) fresh green beans, trimmed
• 6 slices bacon, chopped

Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) butter (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a spacious skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Utilize remaining bacon drippings to sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and cook briefly, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence.
4. Add fresh green beans to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with onion and bacon remnants.
5. Cover and simmer beans for 8-10 minutes, stirring intermittently to ensure even cooking and prevent scorching.
6. Season the green bean mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Optional: Incorporate a pat of butter for enhanced richness and silky texture.
8. Crumble reserved crispy bacon over the green beans, distributing evenly throughout the dish.
9. Transfer to a serving platter and present immediately while still steaming hot, showcasing the harmonious blend of smoky and tender components.

Notes

• Use thick-cut bacon for maximum crunch and deeper flavor profile.
• Drain excess bacon grease if you prefer a lighter dish, but keep some for authentic Southern taste.
• Fresh green beans work best; frozen can become mushy and lose their crisp texture.
• Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick that complements the salty bacon perfectly.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg