Southern Green Beans With Bacon
Discover a delicious Southern-style recipe for green beans with bacon. The longer cooking time infuses the beans with flavor.
These Southern-style green beans are rich, savory, and packed with flavor thanks to a long simmer with bacon and broth. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beans and infuses them with smoky, salty depth—just like the classic versions served at Sunday suppers and potlucks across the South.
Fresh green beans make all the difference in this recipe, and a little sugar balances the saltiness of the broth and bacon. It’s a simple side dish that never fails to satisfy.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Classic Southern flavor. Long simmering with bacon and broth gives these green beans their signature rich taste.
Easy ingredients. You only need a few basics—green beans, bacon, broth, and onion.
Perfect for holidays or weeknights. Great alongside ham, turkey, meatloaf, or roasted chicken.
Make-ahead friendly. These beans reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.
Ingredient Notes
- Green beans: Use fresh green beans for best texture and flavor. Trim and cut into 3-inch pieces.
- Bacon: Adds smoky richness. Dice before cooking so it flavors the broth evenly.
- Chicken broth: Simmering in broth infuses the beans with savory depth.
- Onion: Adds a mellow sweetness to complement the bacon.
- Sugar: A small amount balances the salt and acidity.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste after cooking, as the broth and bacon add plenty of salt.
Steps to Make Southern Green Beans With Bacon
- Add the diced bacon and chicken broth to a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer the bacon in the broth for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the trimmed green beans, sliced onion, and sugar.
- Cover and cook for about 30 minutes longer, or until the beans are tender.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use thick-cut or smoked bacon for extra flavor.
- Simmer gently—don’t boil vigorously or the beans may fall apart.
- Cook ahead and refrigerate overnight for even more flavor.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end for brightness, if desired.
Recipe Variations
- With potatoes. Add peeled, quartered red potatoes along with the green beans for a heartier dish.
- Ham hock or smoked turkey. Swap bacon for a meaty ham hock or turkey leg for traditional depth.
- Spicy version. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
- Garlic lovers. Stir in a minced garlic clove with the onion.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted chicken, meatloaf, pork chops, or ham.
- Pair with cornbread or buttermilk biscuits.
- Add mashed potatoes or mac and cheese for a classic Southern plate.
- Include on holiday tables alongside dressing, turkey, or glazed ham.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store cooled green beans in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen.
Southern Green Beans With Bacon
Ingredients
- 6 ounces bacon, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 pounds green beans, scrubbed, trimmed, and cut in 3-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Put the bacon in a large saucepan with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Add the trimmed and sliced green beans, along with the onion and sugar.
- Cover and continue cooking for about 30 minutes longer, or until the green beans are tender.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
