Quick & Easy Southern Bacon And Green Beans Recipe

Looking for a delicious and simple side dish that packs a punch of flavor? This Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is exactly what you need. Tender green beans are cooked with crispy bacon and flavored with garlic, onions, and a touch of seasoning to give you a dish that pairs well with any main course. Whether you're serving this at a family dinner, a barbecue, or a holiday feast, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Read on for the full recipe and tips to make this dish your own!

What is Southern Bacon and Green Beans?

Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a classic Southern dish where fresh green beans are cooked with smoky, crispy bacon and sometimes onions, garlic, and spices. The bacon fat infuses the beans with a rich, savory flavor that makes this simple side dish truly irresistible. Traditionally, Southern green beans are cooked low and slow until tender, but this quick and easy version uses a faster cooking method while still keeping all the delicious flavors intact. It’s a versatile dish that complements everything from fried chicken to roast turkey or pork chops.

Ingredients List for Southern Bacon and Green Beans

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and flavorful Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans: Trimmed and cleaned. You can use frozen green beans if fresh isn’t available.
• 6 slices bacon: Cut into small pieces. Regular or thick-cut bacon works.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: For a bold, aromatic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional): For extra richness and flavor.
• ¼ cup chicken broth (optional): Adds moisture and enhances the flavor of the green beans.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To season the beans perfectly.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat, if you like a little spice.

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Lemon zest or juice: Brightens up the dish with a bit of acidity.

Substitutions and Variations

This Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is super versatile, and you can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

Substitutions:

• Turkey bacon: Use turkey bacon for a lighter version with less fat.
• Frozen or canned green beans: If you don’t have fresh green beans on hand, you can use frozen green beans (thawed) or canned green beans (drained). Just adjust the cooking time as needed since they are already partially cooked.
• Vegetarian version: Omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the onions and garlic. You can also add smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to replicate the smoky bacon flavor.

Variations:

• Add potatoes: Toss in some diced potatoes for a heartier side dish. Just cook them with the green beans until tender.
• Spicy version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to give the dish a bit more heat.
• Sweet and savory: Stir in a teaspoon of brown sugar to balance out the savory bacon and give the green beans a hint of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Southern Bacon and Green Beans is easy, quick, and only requires one skillet. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until they are crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet. Set the bacon aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 3: Cook the Green Beans

1. Add the green beans to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to coat the beans in the bacon fat.
2. If using, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the beans are tender but still have a slight bite.
3. For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter as the green beans cook. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.

Step 4: Add the Bacon and Serve

1. Once the green beans are cooked to your liking, remove the lid and stir the crispy bacon back into the skillet.
2. Let everything cook together for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired, and serve immediately.

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

1. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside.
2. Sauté onions and garlic in the bacon fat until softened.
3. Add green beans, chicken broth (optional), and cook until tender.
4. Stir in the bacon, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the green beans: Southern-style green beans are often cooked until very soft, but for this quick version, aim for tender beans that still retain a bit of their crispness (unless you prefer softer beans).
• Not draining the bacon: Let the bacon drain on paper towels after cooking to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter, so be sure to cook it only for about 30 seconds to 1 minute before adding the green beans.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Southern Bacon and Green Beans dish is a perfect side that works with many different meals. Here are some serving and presentation ideas to help make your dish shine.

How to Serve Southern Bacon and Green Beans:

• Family-style: Serve the green beans straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation. You can also transfer them to a serving dish for a more polished look.
• Pairing ideas: These green beans pair beautifully with Southern classics like fried chicken, BBQ ribs, pork chops, or meatloaf. They also work well with roasted meats or holiday dishes like ham or turkey.

Presentation Ideas for Southern Bacon and Green Beans:

• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
• Serve with a wedge of lemon on the side to add a bit of brightness to each plate.
• For a fancier look, serve in a decorative bowl or cast-iron skillet with crumbled bacon sprinkled on top.

Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can cook the bacon and prep the green beans ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply reheat the green beans in a skillet and stir in the crispy bacon at the last minute.
• Extra crispy bacon: For an added crunch, cook your bacon on a wire rack over a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
• Season the beans last: Since bacon can be salty, wait until after you’ve added it back to the green beans before adjusting the salt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dish with frozen green beans?

Yes, frozen green beans can be used in place of fresh ones. Just thaw them first and adjust the cooking time, as they’ll need less time to cook compared to fresh green beans.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add diced potatoes, carrots, or mushrooms to this dish for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to cook harder vegetables like potatoes or carrots a bit longer.

How can I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe brings classic Southern flavors to your table with minimal effort. The combination of tender green beans, smoky bacon, and savory onions and garlic makes this dish irresistible. It’s a perfect side dish for just about any meal, from casual weeknight dinners to special occasions. Plus, with all the variations and substitutions you can try, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. So grab your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious Southern-style side dish in no time!

Now that you’ve learned all the tips and tricks, it’s time to whip up a batch of these flavorful Southern Bacon and Green Beans!

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