Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious side dish that’s quick to make and full of flavor, then our Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is just what you need! This dish has become a favorite in my home due to its simple ingredients and the delightful combination of savory bacon and fresh green beans. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe suits any occasion perfectly.
The best part? It takes just about 35 minutes from start to finish! Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to on your weeknight menu.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy bacon paired with tender green beans.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Feel free to prepare it in advance and reheat when needed—perfect for meal prep!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet brown sugar and savory bacon creates a mouthwatering taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already!
For the Dish:
- 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 recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Swap the protein: Try using turkey bacon or even tempeh for a vegetarian twist!
- Add more veggies: Toss in some sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat in your dishes.
- Try different greens: Swap out green beans for asparagus or snap peas for a fresh change.
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 crisp, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial because crispy bacon adds that delicious crunch we all love! Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet but leave the yummy grease behind—it’s going to flavor our onions beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook until the onion is translucent and soft, about 3-5 minutes. Sautéing the onions brings out their natural sweetness, making them even more delicious in our dish!
Step 3: Add Flavorful Ingredients
Stir in the brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper with the onions. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is fragrant. This combination creates a wonderful aroma that will fill your kitchen—prepare yourself for compliments!
Step 4: Toss in Green Beans
Now it’s time to add those beautiful green beans to the skillet. Toss them well so they get coated in that tasty onion mixture. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Simmer Away
Pour in the chicken broth if you’re using it, then bring everything to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let those green beans cook until they are tender, about 15 minutes. This gentle cooking allows all those flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Once your green beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, return that crispy bacon back into the skillet. Stir everything well to combine and heat through for about 2 minutes—this brings back all that irresistible crunch!
Step 7: Season & Serve
Finally, season with salt to taste and serve hot. Enjoy every bite of this comforting side dish! It’s perfect alongside grilled meats or as part of any hearty meal.
Enjoy making this Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe! I can’t wait for you to try it out; I’m sure it’ll warm your heart just as it has mine.
Pro Tips for Making Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe
Cooking can be a delightful experience, especially when you have some handy tips up your sleeve! Here are some pro tips to ensure your Southern Bacon and Green Beans turn out perfectly every time.
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Use fresh green beans – Fresh green beans deliver the best flavor and texture. If you can snag them from the farmer’s market, even better! Frozen green beans work in a pinch, but fresh will give you that vibrant crunch.
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Adjust sweetness to your taste – The brown sugar adds a lovely sweetness, but you can adjust the amount based on your preference. If you’re looking for a more savory dish, try reducing the sugar or substituting with a touch of honey or maple syrup.
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Don’t rush the cooking process – Allowing the onions to become translucent enhances their sweetness and flavor. Patience pays off by creating a deeper flavor profile in your dish!
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Experiment with spices – Feel free to add a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. It creates an exciting contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar!
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Make it ahead – This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance and reheat it on busy nights. Just keep the bacon separate until serving for maximum crispiness.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe
Presentation is key when it comes to making any dish feel special! Here are some ideas on how to serve your Southern Bacon and Green Beans so they shine at your dinner table.
Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley – A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up this hearty dish.
- Toasted almonds – A handful of toasted slivered almonds adds both crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the green beans beautifully.
Side Dishes
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Cornbread – This classic Southern staple is sweet, moist, and perfect for soaking up any juices from the green beans. Plus, it’s easy to make alongside this dish!
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Mashed potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting contrast to the crispiness of the bacon and texture of the green beans. It’s a tried-and-true pairing that’s sure to please!
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Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw adds a crunchy element that balances out the richness of the bacon. Its tangy dressing will provide a delightful bite alongside your meal.
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Grilled chicken or fish – For those wanting to add protein, grilled chicken or fish works wonderfully. Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and perhaps some lemon juice, they won’t overshadow the flavors of your side dish!
With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to enjoy your Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe to its fullest potential! Happy cooking!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to store and enjoy your leftovers:
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will keep well for 3-4 days.
Freezing
- If you want to freeze your dish, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
- You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
FAQs
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries about our Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe.
Can I make this Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe without bacon?
Absolutely! You can replace bacon with turkey bacon or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version while still capturing that savory flavor.
How do I make the green beans crispier in the Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe?
To achieve crispier green beans, try blanching them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This method helps retain their bright color and crunch!
What can I serve with Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans?
This delicious side dish pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or any hearty main course. It’s versatile enough to complement various meals!
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is truly special – it’s simple yet packed with flavor! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. This dish is bound to become a favorite at your dinner table, bringing warmth and comfort to your family meals. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or any tweaks you made; I’d love to hear all about them!
Quick and Easy Southern Green Beans
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Side
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
If you’re in search of a simple yet flavorful side dish, our Quick and Easy Southern Green Beans recipe is the answer! This delightful dish combines tender green beans with savory turkey bacon and sweet brown sugar for a taste experience that everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it takes just about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans (ends trimmed)
- 6 slices turkey 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
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon, leaving the grease behind.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper; cook for another 2 minutes.
- Toss in green beans, ensuring they are coated with the onion mixture.
- Pour in chicken broth if using; cover and simmer on low heat until green beans are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Return crispy turkey bacon to the skillet, stir well to combine and heat through for about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
