Welcome to your new go-to weeknight staple – our Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe! This dish combines crispy bacon, fresh green beans, and a hint of sweetness to create a side that's incredibly flavorful and quick on time.
For a true Southern meal, try these green beans with our Southern Meatloaf Recipe our Southern Chicken and Rice Recipe, or our family's favorite Low and Slow Oven Baked Ribs.
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Bacon and green beans are a classic pairing in many Southern kitchens. This dish combines the smoky, salty flavor of bacon with the tender crunch of green beans, and simmers it together to create a very flavorful and comforting side dish.
If you like this quick southern recipe, you may also love our Southern Smothered Potatoes or our Southern White Sausage Gravy.
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 35 minutes! Serve it alongside Southern Cornbread, Baked Beans with Ground Beef, or our Slow Cooker Collard Greens.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A flavorful side that pairs well with any Southern meal—try it with Low and Slow Oven Baked Ribs for a your next backyard barbecue.
- Budget-Conscious: Uses affordable ingredients just like these Instant Pot Ham and Beans.
- Kid-Approved: Even the picky eaters will ask for seconds. I mean… it’s bacon—did you really think they’d say no?
Bacon and Green Bean Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to make these flavorful greens.
- Green Beans: Look for fresh green beans with a firm texture. They are a fantastic source of vitamins!
- Bacon: Opt for a less fatty variety to keep it healthier, or turkey bacon for an even lighter option.
- Brown Sugar: Just a touch to enhance the natural sweetness of the beans.
- Onion: Adds flavor to the dish, cooking down to a sweet, savory softness.
- Garlic Powder: Easier and quicker to use than fresh garlic.
- Chicken Broth: Used as a cooking liquid to add flavor and help steam the green beans.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe
STEP 1: Prepare the Bacon
Fry the bacon until crispy, then set aside. This step not only prepares your bacon but also leaves flavorful bacon fat for cooking the beans.
STEP 2: Sauté the Onions
Cook the onions in the bacon fat until translucent; this base will add a sweetness to the beans.
STEP 3: Add Green Beans and Seasonings
Introduce green beans, brown sugar, and seasonings to the pan, stirring to combine and coat the beans evenly.
STEP 4: Simmer and Serve
Add a splash of chicken broth, cover, and simmer until beans are tender. Finish by mixing the crispy bacon back in and serve warm.
Substitutions & Variations
- Bacon: Swap pork bacon with turkey bacon for less calories.
- Brown Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth or water with a pinch of salt could be used for simmering.
Storage
Store Southern Bacon and Green Beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes to keep the bacon crispy, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring as needed. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. Freezing isn’t recommended.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and more meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Cook bacon slowly over medium heat until it releases its fat and becomes thoroughly crispy.
✔️ DO Sprinkle a little water over the beans and cover them while reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Blanching is not required, but some people prefer this method because it can help soften the beans slightly while maintaining their crispness. It also helps to lock in the bright green color.
Yes! Frozen green beans are a good choice for a bacon and green beans recipe, especially when fresh green beans are not available. Be sure to adjust the cooking time since they are already blanched before freezing.
Look for green beans that are firm, crisp, and vibrant green. Avoid beans that are limp, excessively spotted, or discolored.
How to Incorporate Blanching into Your Dish
Blanching is not required, but some people prefer this method because it can help soften the beans slightly while maintaining their crispness. It also helps to lock in their bright green color.
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
- Step 2: Add the green beans and boil for about 2 to 4 minutes, depending on their thickness.
- Step 3: Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their color.
- Step 4: Drain the beans and pat them dry.
- Step 5: Proceed with your skillet recipe, adding the blanched green beans to the cooked bacon towards the end to heat through and integrate flavors.
More Southern Side Dishes You'll Love ♥️
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- Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Rating if think these Southern greens are drool-worthy!
📖 Recipe
Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans ends trimmed
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup chicken broth optional, for added flavor
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook until the onion is translucent and soft, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper with the onions. Cook for another 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
- Add the green beans to the skillet. Toss to coat them in the onion and sugar mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth (if using) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the green beans cook until they are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Once the green beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, return the cooked bacon to the skillet. Stir well to combine and heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste and serve hot.
Notes
- Bacon: Swap pork bacon with turkey bacon for less calories.
- Brown Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth or water with a pinch of salt could be used for simmering.
Jami Powell says
Our family loves this sweet Southern side!
Rebecca says
Delicious green beans!
Jami Powell says
We are so glad you liked them, Rebecca!
Stephanie Vondal says
First of all, delicious!!! I want to make this into a huge batch. Any recommendations?
Jami Powell says
Hi Stephanie, thank you so much! I’ve never made a large batch, but I’d recommend using a Dutch oven or roasting pan to handle the volume. You could sauté the bacon and onions as usual, then bake everything covered at 350°F until the beans are tender, stirring halfway through. I'd love to hear how this turns out!
Crystal says
I know people overuse this word to describe dishes BUT oh my goodness, this is the BEST green bean dish I have ever had. This southern girl highly recommends it!!!!
Jami Powell says
Thank you so much, Crystal! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 😊