Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious side dish that brings the warmth of Southern cooking to your table, then you’ve come to the right place. Our Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is a cherished favorite in my home. It combines crispy bacon, tender green beans, and a touch of sweetness that makes it irresistible. Whether it’s a bustling weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this dish never fails to impress.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a flavorful side ready in no time. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family Favorite: With its delicious flavor profile, everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
• Versatile Dish: Pair these green beans with any main dish – they complement everything beautifully!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the components ahead of time for an even quicker meal.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Simple, fresh ingredients mean you can feel good about serving this dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is one of the easiest parts of making this dish! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a lot of flavor.

For the Dish

• 1 pound fresh green beans (ends trimmed)
• 6 slices bacon (chopped)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• salt to taste

Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these tasty variations:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a healthier twist.
• Go extra veggie: Add in some diced bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrition.
• Herb it up: Toss in some fresh thyme or rosemary during cooking for an aromatic touch.
• Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give your green beans a delightful kick!

How to Make Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial because the rendered bacon fat adds incredible flavor to your green beans.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet but leave that flavorful grease behind. Add your diced onions to the hot skillet and cook until they turn translucent and soft, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This helps build a sweet foundation for your dish.

Step 3: Add Sweetness & Flavor

Stir in the brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper with those lovely onions. Let it cook for another 2 minutes until everything is fragrant. The brown sugar will caramelize slightly and create a beautiful glaze for your green beans.

Step 4: Toss in Green Beans

Now it’s time to add those vibrant green beans! Toss them into the skillet so they can coat beautifully with all that onion-sugar mixture. This will ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 5: Simmer Away!

Pour in the chicken broth if you’re using it, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Reduce your heat to low, cover, and let those green beans cook until tender—about 15 minutes. Covering keeps moisture in so they cook evenly.

Step 6: Combine & Heat Through

Once they’re cooked to your liking, return that crispy bacon back into the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine and heat through for another couple of minutes. This ensures none of that delicious flavor goes unnoticed!

Step 7: Season & Serve Hot

Finally, season with salt to taste before serving hot. You’ll love how comforting and satisfying this Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe turns out! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe

Cooking this delightful dish is a breeze, but a few handy tips can make it even better!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans not only taste better but also retain their vibrant color and nutritional value. Look for beans that are firm and bright green for the best results.
• Crisp the Bacon Just Right: Cooking the bacon until it’s perfectly crispy adds a wonderful texture to the dish. This crunch complements the tender green beans beautifully, making every bite enjoyable.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet flavor, start with less brown sugar and gradually add more to taste. This way, you can customize the dish to your preference without overwhelming the savory notes.
• Don’t Skip the Chicken Broth: Adding chicken broth enhances the overall flavor and gives the beans a delicious depth. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, vegetable broth works just as well!
• Cook in Batches if Necessary: If your skillet isn’t large enough to hold all the ingredients at once, don’t hesitate to cook in batches. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than sautéing.

How to Serve Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe

Presenting your Southern Bacon and Green Beans beautifully can turn a simple side into an impressive feature on your dinner table. Here are some ideas on how to serve this dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor and color.
• Lemon Wedge: A squeeze of lemon juice over the finished dish brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing twist.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of bacon and green beans. They’re comforting and satisfying!
• Cornbread: This classic Southern staple brings a slightly sweet contrast to the savory beans, making for a delightful meal combination.
• Grilled Chicken Breast: Lightly seasoned grilled chicken offers a healthy protein option that complements the flavors of this dish without overpowering it.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm green beans, balancing out textures and flavors beautifully.

With these serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress your family or guests while enjoying this quick and easy Southern delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is perfect for meal prep! It stores well, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you want to have a delicious side dish ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the green beans and bacon mixture into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the cooked green beans and bacon cool down to room temperature.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or microwave on low power until heated thoroughly.
• You may add a splash of chicken broth to keep the beans moist while reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful dish!

Can I use turkey bacon in the Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just remember that it might not render as much fat as regular bacon, so you may need to add a little olive oil or butter when cooking the onions.

What should I serve with the Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe?

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even as part of a hearty vegetarian meal. Consider serving it alongside cornbread for that true Southern flair!

How can I adjust the sweetness in my Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe?

If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar to your taste. You can also try using honey or maple syrup as alternatives for a different flavor profile!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll find joy in making this Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe! It’s not just a side dish; it’s an invitation to gather around the dinner table with loved ones, creating memories that last long after the meal is over. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience – I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!