Southern Style Green Beans are a tasty side dish full of flavor! These beans are simmered with spices, garlic, and sometimes bacon for a cozy, rich taste that reminds you of home cooking.
Trust me, they’re so good that I can hardly resist sneaking a few straight from the pot! Pair them with your favorite meat, and you’ll have a dinner that feels like a warm hug. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are a must for this dish. If they’re not available, frozen green beans can work too, just adjust cooking time as they may cook faster.
Bacon: Bacon adds a lovely smokiness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon is a great substitute. You can also skip it for a vegetarian version and use olive oil instead.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth brings depth to the flavor. Feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian dish. Homemade or low-sodium versions can also be used for healthier choices.
Onion & Garlic: Both add aromatic flavor. If you need to substitute, shallots can replace onions, and garlic powder can be used if you’re out of fresh garlic—just use about 1/8 tsp.
How Do You Make Sure the Green Beans Are Perfectly Tender?
Cooking the green beans to the right tenderness is key for a great texture. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start by boiling them briefly in the broth to lock in that vibrant green color.
- Once they’re boiling, lower the heat to simmer and cover the pot. This helps steam them, making them tender while preventing overcooking.
- Check for tenderness after about 25 minutes, but they may need longer depending on your preference for crunchiness.
Remember, taste along the way! If you find they’re not tender enough, just keep simmering and check again until they reach your desired texture.
Southern Style Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook. So, in about 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious side ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Green Beans:
Start by rinsing the fresh green beans under cool water. Then, carefully trim off the ends using a knife or kitchen scissors. This helps them cook evenly.
2. Cook the Bacon:
Take a large pot or Dutch oven and add the diced bacon to it. Cook over medium heat until the bacon is nice and crispy—this will take about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set that aside, but don’t throw away the drippings in the pot!
3. Sauté the Onion:
Now, add the finely chopped onion to the pot with the bacon drippings. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent. This fragrance will start filling your kitchen!
4. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds. You want it to be fragrant but not burnt—keep an eye on it.
5. Mix in the Green Beans:
Now it’s time to add the green beans into the pot! Toss them around gently to coat them with the delicious onion and garlic mixture.
6. Pour in the Broth:
Add the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) to the pot and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Bring everything to a boil.
7. Simmer the Beans:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for about 25-30 minutes. This will make the green beans tender and full of flavor. The broth will reduce, creating a lovely sauce.
8. Season and Add Butter:
After the green beans are tender, taste them and add salt and black pepper according to your preference. If you want to be extra fancy, stir in a tablespoon of butter for added richness.
9. Serve:
Finally, sprinkle those crispy bacon pieces over the top before serving. These Southern Style Green Beans are now ready to enjoy!
Dig in and savor the smoky, savory flavors that make this dish a beloved classic! Enjoy your meal! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just remember that they may require less cooking time, so start checking for tenderness around 15-20 minutes into simmering.
How Can I Make These Green Beans Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the bacon with olive oil or smoked paprika for a similar flavor profile, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can replace chicken broth with water in a pinch, but it will be less flavorful. If you have bouillon cubes, dissolve one in hot water as a great alternative!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep them moist.
