Description
These Fresh Southern Green Beans with Bacon are tender, savory, and slow-simmered to perfection. A classic Southern-style side dish full of flavor and perfect for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or potlucks!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the green beans to the pot and toss to coat in the bacon drippings.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 30–40 minutes, or until green beans are tender and flavorful.
- Stir in butter and the cooked bacon before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Notes
For extra Southern flavor, simmer the beans longer for deeper tenderness. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance the savory flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Simmered
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: southern green beans, bacon green beans, fresh green beans recipe, southern cooking, holiday side dish