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. Perfect for busy evenings, this will become a new favorite at your dinner table.
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.
Why we love this recipe:
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 35 minutes!
- Health-Friendly: Packed with fiber and nutrients.
- Budget-Conscious: Uses affordable ingredients.
- Kid-Approved: Even the picky eaters will ask for seconds.
If you like this quick southern recipe, you may also love our southern smothered potatoes or southern white sausage gravy.
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Instructions
- What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- How Should You Store This?
- What Are Some Expert Tips?
- How to Incorporate Blanching into Your Dish
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Related
- FAQ
- 📖 Recipe
- Important Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- 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.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How To Make Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe
STEP ONE: 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 TWO: Sauté the Onions
Cook the onions in the bacon fat until translucent; this base will add a sweetness to the beans.
STEP THREE: Add Green Beans and Seasonings
Introduce green beans, brown sugar, and seasonings to the pan, stirring to combine and coat the beans evenly.
STEP FOUR: 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.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- 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.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Spice: Add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Health: Use a sugar alternative or natural sweetener instead.
- Equipment: This recipe can easily be adapted for cooking in an Instant Pot or slow cooker.
- Diet: Use vegetable broth and omit the bacon for a vegetarian version of this recipe.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Cast iron skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
How Should You Store This?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
For the crispiest bacon, cook it slowly over medium heat until it releases its fat and becomes thoroughly crispy.
To reheat leftovers, sprinkle a little water over the beans and cover to steam slightly while warming up, which helps to preserve their texture.
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 Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Leftover bacon can be used to make this tasty Warm Bacon and Spinach Salad.
- Bacon and brown sugar can also be used to make these incredible Salmon Bites!
Need Something To Pair This With?
- You will love this delicious Chicken Fried Steak with White Gravy
- Use these beans as a vegetable side to pair with this Old Fashioned Southern Chicken and Rice Casserole.
- Try this Classic Southern Potato Salad.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Collard Greens with Bacon
- Southern Fried Cabbage
- Butter Beans Recipe
- Baked Beans Recipe
Related
More side dishes you will love:
FAQ
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.
📖 Recipe
Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe
Equipment
- 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.
Nutrition
Try out this easy and delicious Bacon and Green Beans recipe tonight! It's sure to become a staple in your meal planning. Share your results with us or explore related posts for more quick, family-friendly recipes.
Important Food Safety Tips
Ensure bacon is cooked to a safe temperature, and avoid cross-contamination with raw meats by using separate utensils.
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Crystal
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
Thank you so much, Crystal! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 😊