If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and soul-satisfying side dish, this Southern Style Green Beans Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender green beans slow-cooked in savory bacon drippings and rich chicken broth, layering in sweet caramelized onions, just the right hint of garlic, and a bit of butter for that velvety finish. This recipe captures the heart of Southern cooking with its simplicity and depth, making it the perfect addition to your family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want a taste of home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Southern Style Green Beans Recipe so special are the simple yet essential ingredients that work in harmony to create mouthwatering flavors and satisfying textures. From smoky bacon to fresh green beans, each component plays a key role in making this dish a standout on your table.
- 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans: Freshness is key; look for crisp, vibrant beans for the best texture and taste.
- 4 slices bacon, chopped: Adds a smoky, salty backbone that-infuses the entire dish with deep flavor.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Provides sweetness and a subtle bite that complements the green beans perfectly.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Creates a rich, savory cooking liquid that tenderizes the beans and enhances flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A gentle hint of garlic to boost the savory profile without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional): Adds a silky richness to finish the dish if you like your green beans indulgently smooth.
How to Make Southern Style Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by washing your fresh green beans thoroughly, then trim off their ends for a clean, tender bite. Dice the onion into small pieces to help them cook down nicely, and chop the bacon to allow it to crisp evenly and release its flavorful fat.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon Until Crispy
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it reaches a beautifully crispy texture. This step not only renders the fat needed for cooking other ingredients but also creates irresistible bacon pieces to add back later.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions in Bacon Drippings
Using the bacon drippings left in the pan, add your diced onions and cook them gently until they become soft and golden brown. This step develops a sweet, caramelized base flavor that enhances the entire dish.
Step 4: Add Green Beans and Simmer
Stir in the green beans, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cover the pot and let the beans simmer on low heat for 45 minutes. This slow cooking process makes the green beans tender and infuses them with all the savory goodness of the broth and seasonings.
Step 5: Finish with Bacon and Optional Butter
Return the crispy bacon pieces to the pot and stir gently. If you prefer a richer dish, stir in the tablespoon of butter now—it will melt into the beans, bringing everything together in silky harmony. Let the green beans sit for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Southern Style Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few red pepper flakes can brighten the dish and add a pop of color or heat if you like. For a special touch, consider topping with crispy fried onions for extra crunch that contrasts with the tender beans.
Side Dishes
This Southern Style Green Beans Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Southern mains like smoked ham, fried chicken, or slow-cooked brisket. It also complements mashed potatoes or creamy grits perfectly, rounding out your meal with satisfying textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the green beans in a rustic cast-iron skillet right from the stove to the table, inviting everyone to dig in family-style. Alternatively, plate them alongside a golden cornbread wedge and let the vibrant greens pop against the yellows and browns for a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Style Green Beans Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the dish even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
While fresh green beans shine best when cooked fresh, you can freeze leftovers by letting them cool completely and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Use within 2 months for best quality, though the texture may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm evenly. Adding a splash of chicken broth while reheating can help refresh the beans and bring back their juicy tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use canned green beans for this Southern Style Green Beans Recipe?
Fresh green beans work best for this recipe because they hold their texture and absorb the flavors more effectively during the long simmer. Canned beans tend to be softer and might become mushy with this cooking method.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. For smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to mimic the classic Southern vibe.
How long does it take to cook the green beans until tender?
The green beans simmer for about 45 minutes, which allows them to become tender without falling apart. This slow cooking method is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth Southern charm.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can combine all ingredients (except the butter) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. Add the butter and crispy bacon toward the end of cooking or just before serving to keep the bacon crunchy.
What should I serve this Southern Style Green Beans Recipe with?
This dish is a perfect partner to hearty Southern mains like ribs, fried chicken, or meatloaf. It also works as a flavorful vegetable side to lighter grilled meats or roasted dishes, adding both color and comfort to your plate.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a well-made Southern Style Green Beans Recipe—it’s like a warm hug from your kitchen, full of flavor and nostalgia. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how it effortlessly elevates your meal, bringing smiles around the table and tempting second helpings. Once you experience the delightful blend of smoky bacon, tender beans, and savory broth, this dish will surely become one of your go-to comfort foods.
Print
Southern Style Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
A classic Southern-style green beans recipe featuring tender green beans slow-simmered with crispy bacon, onions, and flavorful seasonings for a comforting and savory side dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
Meat
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and trim the ends off the green beans to remove any stems. Dice the yellow onion and chop the bacon into small pieces to prepare for cooking.
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced onions into the bacon drippings in the same pot. Cook over medium heat until the onions become soft and golden brown, enhancing the dish’s savory flavors.
- Simmer Green Beans: Stir in the prepared green beans, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 45 minutes, allowing the green beans to become tender and absorb the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: After simmering, add the cooked bacon back into the pot and gently stir in the butter if using. Let the green beans sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors before serving warm as a delightful Southern side dish.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar towards the end of cooking.
- If you prefer your green beans more tender, simmer a little longer, checking for desired softness.
- Butter is optional but adds a nice creamy finish to the dish.
- This recipe can be prepared a day ahead and reheated; the flavors will deepen over time.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
