Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish that packs a punch of flavor, you’ve come to the right place! Our Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is one of those dishes that always brings comfort to the table. It perfectly blends the rich taste of bacon with fresh green beans, creating a delightful combination that everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress without taking up too much of your time.

What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up something delicious in no time. Plus, it pairs beautifully with so many main courses, making it an incredibly versatile addition to your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family Favorite: The savory flavor of bacon combined with sweet green beans is always a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
• Delicious Flavor: The balance of crispy bacon and tender green beans creates an irresistible taste experience.
• Versatile Side Dish: Works well with any protein – chicken, fish, or even on its own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe are simple and wholesome. Nothing fancy here—just good food made from fresh ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.

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

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to get creative while keeping the core flavors intact. Here are some fun variations you might consider:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrients!
• Change the sweetness: Try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique twist.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat if your family enjoys a little kick!

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 texture and rich flavor to the dish. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet but leave all that wonderful grease behind!

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Next, add the diced onion to the skillet with the leftover bacon grease. Cook until they turn translucent and soft—this should take around 3-5 minutes. Sautéing these onions enhances their natural sweetness, which will beautifully complement the green beans later.

Step 3: Add Sweetness and Spice

Now it’s time for some magic! Stir in the brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper with those lovely onions. Cook everything together for another two minutes until fragrant. This mixture creates a delicious base full of sweet-savory notes that infuse into your green beans.

Step 4: Incorporate Green Beans

Toss in your fresh green beans next! Make sure to coat them well in that onion-sugar mixture so they soak up all those tasty flavors. This step ensures every bite will be bursting with deliciousness.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Pour in chicken broth if you’re using it and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover your skillet, and let those green beans cook until tender—about 15 minutes should do it! Covering helps steam them just right while keeping all those flavors locked inside.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once your green beans reach your desired tenderness, return that crispy bacon back into the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine—this will help reheat the bacon while mingling those flavors beautifully.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Finally, season lightly with salt according to your taste preferences. Serve hot as a delightful side dish that everyone will rave about! Enjoy every delicious bite!

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

Cooking can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans to perfection!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh green beans not only taste better but also add vibrant color to your dish. Look for beans that are bright and firm for the best flavor.

• Control the Crispiness of Bacon: If you prefer your bacon extra crispy, cook it a little longer before removing it from the skillet. This will ensure it stays crunchy when combined with the green beans.

• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar based on your preference. A little less sugar can give you a more savory flavor, while a bit more can enhance the sweetness.

• Experiment with Seasonings: While garlic powder adds a nice touch, consider adding other spices like red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for an extra kick! It’s a simple way to customize the dish to your liking.

• Make Ahead and Store: This dish holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it perfect for meal prep. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving!

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

Serving this delightful dish is all about presentation! With just a few thoughtful touches, you can make your meal even more enjoyable.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the savory flavors.
• Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest brings brightness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This classic Southern staple is sweet and buttery, pairing perfectly with the savory flavors of green beans.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting contrast that will satisfy your taste buds.
• Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken makes for an unbeatable combination that is sure to impress at any dinner table.
• Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tanginess of coleslaw balance out the richness of bacon and green beans beautifully.

With these ideas in mind, you’re ready to enjoy your Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans in style! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week without losing its delightful flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing

• This dish can be frozen for longer storage.
• Let the bacon and green beans cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Have questions? Here are some common ones about our Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe!

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon in this recipe?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great alternative that will still provide a nice smoky flavor. Just follow the same cooking instructions.

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

You can skip the bacon entirely or substitute it with plant-based bacon. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly!

What’s a good side dish to serve with Southern Bacon and Green Beans?

These delicious green beans pair wonderfully with roasted chicken or grilled fish. They also make a great addition to any BBQ spread!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a side dish; it’s a comforting addition to any meal that brings warmth and flavor to your table. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or variations – I love hearing from fellow food lovers!