Looking for a simple and delicious side dish that embodies Southern flavors? Look no further than the Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe! This dish combines the crunchy goodness of fresh green beans with the savory taste of crispy bacon, creating a satisfying treat for any meal. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to please!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not just quick and easy; it’s also packed with flavor. The combination of bacon, onions, and brown sugar adds a delightful sweetness that complements the green beans perfectly. Plus, it requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze. If you’re looking to impress your guests or just want to add a tasty side to your dinner, this dish is a must-try!
How to Make Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans
Here’s how to prepare this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
- 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
Directions:
- 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.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans
Serve this dish hot as a delightful side to complement your favorite main courses. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a hearty stew. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of extra black pepper or fresh herbs.
How to Store Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or microwave them until hot. Keep in mind that the green beans may lose some crispness upon reheating.
Tips to Make Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans
- Make sure to trim the ends of your green beans for a cleaner look and better texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors of the dish.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or a plant-based bacon alternative to retain a similar savory flavor without the meat.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I skip the bacon? Absolutely! You can omit the bacon for a lighter version, or use olive oil for sautéing the onions if you prefer a vegetarian option.
3. How do I know when the green beans are done? The green beans are done when they are tender but still have a slight crunch. You can taste them towards the end of the cooking time to check their tenderness.
Enjoy making and devouring this delightful dish!
Southern Bacon and Green Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans (ends trimmed)
- 6 slices bacon (chopped)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar Feel free to adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional) For added flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- to taste Salt
Instructions
Cooking
- 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.
