Quick & Easy Southern Bacon And Green Beans Recipe

If you're looking for a dish that brings the comforting flavors of the South straight to your dinner table, this Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe is perfect for you! Packed with rich, smoky bacon and the fresh, tender goodness of green beans, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but is also full of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Stick around and read through the entire article to learn how to create this simple yet delicious Southern favorite in no time!

What are Southern Bacon and Green Beans?

Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a classic Southern side dish that combines the crisp, fresh taste of green beans with the salty, smoky flavor of bacon. It's a perfect side dish for family dinners, barbecues, or any Southern-inspired meal. The dish is well-known for its simplicity yet deep, savory flavors, which can complement a wide variety of main dishes like grilled chicken, steak, or fried fish. Traditionally cooked in a skillet, this recipe is versatile, allowing for slight variations to suit your taste preferences while maintaining its Southern authenticity.

Ingredients List for Southern Bacon and Green Beans

To create this savory Southern side dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Fresh Green Beans: 1 pound (trimmed and washed)
• Bacon: 4-6 slices (thick-cut bacon for the best flavor)
• Onion: 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
• Chicken Broth: ½ cup (for added flavor and to help cook the beans)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons (optional but adds richness)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste (start with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper)
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch (optional, for a little heat)

Additional Optional Ingredients

• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (for a tangy contrast)
• Brown Sugar: 1 teaspoon (to balance the smoky and savory flavors with a hint of sweetness)

Substitutions and Variations

• Green Beans: You can substitute fresh green beans with frozen green beans, but make sure to adjust the cooking time. If you only have canned green beans on hand, they will work too, but they won't have the same crisp texture as fresh or frozen beans.
• Bacon: If you're avoiding pork, you can use turkey bacon or even a plant-based bacon alternative. While turkey bacon tends to be leaner, it still provides a smoky flavor, though less rich compared to traditional bacon.
• Butter: For a dairy-free variation, you can skip the butter or replace it with a vegan alternative such as margarine or olive oil.
• Garlic and Onion: If you don't like onions or garlic, you can omit them, but these aromatics add depth and complexity to the dish. You can also substitute onions with shallots or green onions for a milder flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, skip the bacon entirely and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to keep the smoky flavor.
• Spices: If you like spicy food, feel free to add more red pepper flakes, or use diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Southern Bacon and Green Beans is straightforward, but to ensure a perfect dish, follow these detailed steps:

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing and trimming your green beans. Remove any stems or rough ends. If you like your green beans a bit shorter, you can cut them into 2-inch pieces. Dice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves.

2. Cook the Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips to the pan and cook until they become crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Turn the bacon as needed to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet, as this will be used to flavor the green beans.

3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the diced onions and sauté them over medium heat until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

4. Add Green Beans and Broth

Once the onions and garlic are fragrant, add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Stir the beans so they are coated in the bacon grease, onion, and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and allow the beans to cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Season the Beans

After the green beans have cooked, season them with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're using them. Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it into the green beans. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you're adding apple cider vinegar or brown sugar, stir them in at this stage to add a tangy or sweet note.

6. Add Butter (Optional)

For extra richness, stir in 2 tablespoons of butter right before serving. This will make the beans silky and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

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

1. Trim and wash the green beans.
2. Dice onions and mince garlic.
3. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside.
4. Sauté onions and garlic in bacon grease.
5. Add green beans and chicken broth, and cover to simmer.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and optional ingredients like red pepper flakes, vinegar, or brown sugar.
7. Stir in crumbled bacon and optional butter.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Green Beans: Be careful not to overcook your green beans. You want them tender but still slightly crisp to maintain texture. Overcooked green beans can become mushy and lose their vibrant green color.
2. Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, which can give the dish a bitter taste. Always add it after the onions have softened and stir constantly to avoid burning.
3. Using Too Little Bacon: Don’t skimp on the bacon. The bacon grease adds flavor to the beans, so make sure you have enough to coat the green beans evenly.
4. Not Adjusting Seasoning: Taste your beans before serving. If they need more salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar for brightness, adjust accordingly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make this dish shine, here are a few tips for serving and presenting your Southern Bacon and Green Beans:

1. Serve in a Cast Iron Skillet: For an authentic Southern look, serve the dish straight from a cast iron skillet. It keeps the beans warm and gives a rustic, down-home vibe to your table.
2. Garnish with Bacon Crumbles: Before serving, sprinkle extra crumbled bacon on top for added texture and presentation. You can also add a few fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color.
3. Serve with Cornbread: Pair your green beans with warm cornbread for a true Southern meal experience.

Presentation Ideas for Southern Bacon and Green Beans

• Rustic Serving Platters: Use wooden or rustic-looking platters to serve this dish at family gatherings or BBQs.
• White Plates for Contrast: If serving individually, plate the green beans on white dishes to make the vibrant green color and crispy bacon pop visually.
• Mason Jars: For a fun Southern twist, serve smaller portions in mason jars for a picnic or outdoor gathering.

Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe Tips

• Make it Ahead: This dish can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the skillet before serving to restore the crispness of the bacon.
• Keep it Warm: If you're serving this at a buffet or family-style meal, keep the beans warm in a slow cooker set to low.
• Double the Recipe: This dish scales well, so if you're feeding a crowd, simply double the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned green beans?
Yes, but fresh or frozen green beans will provide better texture. If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time, as they are already tender.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze Southern Bacon and Green Beans?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow the beans to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain the smoky flavor.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe is a true comfort food dish, combining the best of smoky bacon and fresh, crisp green beans. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a side dish that will impress at any dinner table. Follow the step-by-step instructions and tips in this article, and you’ll have a perfect Southern classic that’s sure to become a favorite in your household! Whether served with cornbread, fried chicken, or as part of a BBQ spread, Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a dish that everyone will love.

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