Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious side dish that will steal the show at your dinner table, then you’ve come to the right place! Our Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that is sure to impress. This dish features crispy bacon paired with tender green beans, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why this recipe quickly becomes a favorite!

The combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors creates a comforting experience with every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, meaning you can enjoy quality time with your loved ones while this dish comes together in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, you’ll have dinner ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the taste of crispy bacon mingling with fresh green beans.
• Versatile side dish: Perfectly complements any main course, from roasted chicken to grilled fish.
• Flavorful and satisfying: The hint of sweetness from brown sugar pairs beautifully with savory bacon.
• Make-ahead on busy nights: Easily prepare this dish ahead of time for stress-free weeknight meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe, you only need a few simple and wholesome ingredients. These will not only make your dish delicious but also keep it easy on your wallet!

• 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 best things about this Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add some heat: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Include more veggies: Add sliced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
• Go vegetarian: Swap out bacon for smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a plant-based twist.
• Try different seasonings: Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to change up the flavor profile.

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 crisp. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to render the fat so we can use it later for flavoring our vegetables. Once done, remove the crispy bacon from the skillet but leave that delicious bacon grease behind.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Next up, add the diced onion directly into the skillet with that lovely bacon grease. Sauté them until they turn translucent and soft, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial as cooking the onions brings out their natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of our dish.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Stir in the brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper with those beautifully sautéed onions. Let this mixture cook for another couple of minutes until it becomes fragrant. The brown sugar will create a lovely caramelization that complements the savory elements perfectly.

Step 4: Incorporate the Green Beans

Now it’s time to add in those green beans! Toss them in well so they get coated in that flavorful onion-sugar mixture. This ensures every bite will be packed with deliciousness.

Step 5: Simmer Away

Pour in your chicken broth if you’re using it. Bring everything to a gentle simmer before reducing the heat to low. Cover your skillet and let those green beans cook until they’re tender—about 15 minutes should do it. This step helps infuse all those wonderful flavors into our green beans.

Step 6: Finish It Off

Once your green beans are cooked just how you like them, return that crispy bacon back into the skillet. Stir everything together gently until heated through—this should only take about 2 minutes. It’s all about combining those flavors!

Step 7: Season & Serve

Finally, season your dish with salt to taste and serve hot! Your Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is now ready to enjoy alongside your favorite main dishes or even as a comforting snack on its own!

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! Happy cooking!

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

Every great recipe has its secrets, and these tips will help you perfect your Southern bacon and green beans!

• Use fresh green beans – Fresh green beans have a vibrant flavor and crisp texture that frozen or canned varieties simply can’t match, offering a delightful crunch in every bite.

• Adjust sweetness to taste – If you prefer a less sweet dish, feel free to reduce the brown sugar. This allows you to customize the recipe to your family’s palate while maintaining the balance of flavors.

• Don’t rush the cooking of onions – Cooking the onions until they are translucent enhances their natural sweetness, which adds depth to the dish. Patience here pays off!

• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat, balancing out the sweetness and adding more complexity to your dish.

• Let it sit before serving – Allowing your green beans to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps all the flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delicious!

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

Serving this delightful dish can be just as fun as cooking it! Here are some ideas on how to present it beautifully on your dinner table.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Sliced almonds – Toasted sliced almonds provide a lovely crunch that complements the tender green beans perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread – This classic Southern side is sweet and crumbly, making it an ideal pairing with savory green beans.
• Mashed potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a hearty base that balances the flavors of the dish, soaking up any extra juices beautifully.
• Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast that cuts through the richness of bacon, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Fried chicken tenders – Crispy fried chicken tenders bring comfort food vibes and pair wonderfully with sweet green beans for an unforgettable dinner experience.

With these tips and ideas, you’re all set to enjoy your Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a larger batch and store it to enjoy later in the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.
• When storing, try to separate the bacon from the green beans if you can, as this will help maintain the bacon’s crispness.

Freezing

• This dish can be frozen; however, it’s best to freeze the green beans without the bacon.
• Portion out the cooked green beans into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Reheat refrigerated leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• For frozen green beans, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or use a microwave-safe container.
• If reheating with bacon, consider adding it back into the skillet during the last few minutes to help restore its crispiness.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop up while making this fabulous dish!

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

Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great alternative that will still give you that deliciously smoky flavor you’re looking for while keeping things lighter.

How can I make this Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe healthier?

You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute it with a sugar alternative. Additionally, using less bacon or opting for a lower-fat version can also lighten up the dish!

What type of green beans should I use for this recipe?

Fresh green beans are recommended for the best texture and flavor. However, you can also use frozen green beans if fresh ones aren’t available; just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe! It’s not only packed with flavor but also brings a sense of comfort that’s perfect for any dinner table. Enjoy trying out this delicious side dish, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences – I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!