Quick & Easy Southern Bacon And Green Beans Recipe

If you’re looking for a savory, delicious, and easy-to-make side dish, look no further than this Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe. With crispy bacon, fresh green beans, and just the right amount of sweetness, this dish will satisfy any craving for Southern comfort food. The recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights but flavorful enough to serve during special family gatherings. Stick around as we dive deep into how to make this delightful dish. You won’t want to miss it!

What are Southern Bacon and Green Beans?

Southern Bacon and Green Beans is a classic Southern side dish made with fresh green beans and crispy bacon, cooked with a blend of seasonings like garlic powder and brown sugar to bring out a balance of savory and sweet flavors. The dish is often enhanced with onions and chicken broth to elevate the taste, making it a versatile and hearty side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals, from fried chicken to roasted pork.

Ingredients List for Southern Bacon and Green Beans

To get started with this dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed: Fresh green beans are the star of the dish, providing a crisp texture and vibrant flavor. Trimming the ends ensures an even cook.
• 6 slices bacon, chopped: Bacon adds a smoky, savory element and becomes delightfully crispy when cooked.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Onions bring a mild sweetness and help to balance the savory flavors of bacon.
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar: This gives a hint of sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder adds depth of flavor without being overpowering.
• ½ cup chicken broth (optional): For added richness and moisture, chicken broth is a great optional ingredient that enhances the overall flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A dash of black pepper provides a subtle heat.
• Salt to taste: Salt heightens all the flavors and brings everything together.

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up, there are several substitutions and variations you can try with this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Bacon Substitutes: If you're avoiding pork, you can use turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative. You won’t get the exact same smoky flavor, but they will still add that crunchy texture.
• Green Beans Variations: If you don’t have fresh green beans on hand, frozen green beans work well. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the skillet. You can also use haricots verts, which are thinner and have a more delicate flavor.
• Brown Sugar Alternatives: You can swap out brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave for a different type of sweetness. Each will impart its unique flavor.
• Onions: If you don’t have regular onions, shallots or green onions can be used as substitutes. They add a slightly different taste but still complement the dish.
• Chicken Broth Variations: If you want to keep this dish vegetarian or vegan, you can replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Alternatively, you can skip the broth altogether and rely on the moisture from the bacon and onions.
• Spice it Up: For those who like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the recipe. You can also use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor with no added heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking Southern Bacon and Green Beans is straightforward, but it’s important to follow each step to get the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Let’s walk through the process:

1. Cook the Bacon:
   • Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it becomes crispy, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t burn. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
   • Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps absorb the extra grease.
2. Cook the Onions:
   • In the same skillet, with the leftover bacon fat, add the diced onions. Sauté them for about 5 minutes or until they become soft and translucent. The bacon grease will infuse the onions with rich flavor.
3. Add the Green Beans:
   • Once the onions are soft, add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Stir them around so they get coated in the bacon fat and onions. Let them cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season the Dish:
   • Sprinkle in the brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. The brown sugar will caramelize slightly, giving the dish a sweet and savory glaze.
5. Add Chicken Broth (Optional):
   • If you’re using chicken broth, pour it into the skillet at this stage. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes. The broth will add moisture and richness to the green beans while they finish cooking.
6. Add the Bacon:
   • Finally, return the crispy bacon to the skillet, stirring it in so it warms up and incorporates into the dish.
7. Check for Doneness:
   • The green beans should be tender yet still crisp. Taste to ensure the seasoning is just right, and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.

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

1. Prep Ingredients: Trim green beans, dice onions, and chop bacon.
2. Cook Bacon: Fry until crispy, remove, and drain.
3. Sauté Onions: Cook in the same skillet until soft.
4. Add Green Beans: Stir in beans, cook until tender.
5. Season: Add garlic powder, brown sugar, pepper, and salt.
6. Optional Chicken Broth: Pour in broth and simmer.
7. Finish: Stir bacon back in, adjust seasoning, and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Bacon: Don’t let your bacon become too crispy in the first step. Remember, you’ll be adding it back to the dish, so it will cook a little more. Remove it once it's just crispy enough.
• Skipping the Blanching Step (Optional): If you prefer your green beans to have a vibrant green color and a slightly crisp texture, you can blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This step is optional but can help retain their color and crunch.
• Using Canned Green Beans: While canned green beans can be convenient, they won’t have the same fresh flavor or texture as using fresh or frozen green beans.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Bacon adds salt, but don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning. Add enough salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To serve Southern Bacon and Green Beans, consider the following tips to make the dish even more appealing:

• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: Serving this dish straight from the skillet gives it a rustic and authentic Southern feel. Plus, it keeps the dish warm longer.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness.
• Serve with Main Courses: This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses, including fried chicken, baked ham, or grilled pork chops. You can even serve it alongside mashed potatoes or cornbread for a complete Southern meal.

Presentation Ideas for Southern Bacon and Green Beans

• Family-Style Serving: Present the green beans in a large bowl or serving dish, topped with a bit of extra crispy bacon for garnish.
• Individual Plates: Serve the green beans next to a protein like grilled chicken, with the vibrant green color contrasting against the meat.
• In a Bread Bowl: For a fun twist, serve the beans in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a casual and rustic presentation.

Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated just before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
• Double the Recipe: Need to feed a crowd? Simply double the recipe and cook in batches. This recipe is very easy to scale up.
• Add Extra Veggies: Want to add more veggies? Throw in some bell peppers, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes to give the dish extra color and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Simply reheat it in a skillet before serving.

Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Yes, frozen green beans work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before cooking.

Q: What other meats can I use instead of bacon?
A: You can substitute bacon with pancetta, turkey bacon, or a vegetarian bacon alternative.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Q: How do I keep the green beans from getting soggy?
A: Be careful not to overcook them. Blanching the green beans before sautéing can help maintain their crisp texture.

Conclusion

This Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of Southern flair to their meals. With crispy bacon, fresh green beans, and the perfect blend of sweetness and seasoning, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is quick, easy, and full of flavor. Try it out today and see just how delicious Southern comfort food can be!

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