Southern Style Green Beans are a tasty side dish that adds a fresh touch to your meals. Cooked slowly with bacon and seasoning, they are full of flavor!
These beans are a hit at family gatherings. Honestly, who can resist that smoky goodness? I love serving them with cornbread for a true Southern feast! 🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Green Beans: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm, bright green beans. If fresh isn’t available, frozen green beans can work; just adjust the cook time since they are already blanched.
Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, you could substitute turkey bacon or even use olive oil for sautéing without meat.
Chicken Broth: This is what brings depth to the flavor! You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or even water if you’re in a pinch, though it’ll be less flavorful.
Onion and Garlic: Both add great flavor and depth. If you’re short on onions, shallots can be a nice substitute. For garlic lovers, garlic powder could be used in a pinch!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Bacon?
The way you cook your bacon makes a big impact on the dish! The fat rendered from the bacon adds richness to the beans. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook bacon over medium heat, not high. This helps it render fat slowly, leading to a crispy texture.
- Don’t rush this step! Allow the bacon to get crispy—this will deepen the flavor.
- Save all that delicious grease in the pan after removing the bacon; it adds such a great taste!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Green Beans for a Tender, Yet Crisp Texture?
Getting green beans just right can be tricky. You want them tender but still crisp! Here’s a foolproof method:
- Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water. This locks in color and keeps them bright!
- Shock them in an ice bath immediately after boiling. This stops cooking and keeps them crunchy.
- Finish them in the skillet as directed to absorb flavors without overcooking.
Enjoy these tips and watch your Southern Style Green Beans shine at your next meal!
Southern Style Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes total to prepare this dish. It takes around 10 minutes to prep your ingredients and another 20 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick and delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Green Beans:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is where we’ll blanch our green beans to keep them bright and vibrant. Once the water is boiling, add the trimmed green beans and cook them for about 3-4 minutes. They should be bright green and just slightly tender. After that, drain them in a colander and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
Now, let’s add some flavor! In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat. This will take a few minutes until it’s nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, but don’t toss that bacon grease! It’s going to add a ton of flavor to our beans.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same pan with the bacon grease, throw in the chopped onion. Sauté it over medium heat until it’s soft and translucent—around 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds, or until you can smell that delicious aroma. Don’t let it burn!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Next, add the blanched green beans into the skillet. Stir everything together so that the beans are well coated in all the tasty bacon grease, onion, and garlic. This step is key for maximum flavor!
5. Simmer with Chicken Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Cover the pan and let the green beans cook for about 15-20 minutes. You want them tender but still vibrant, so check them occasionally!
6. Add Final Touches:
Once the beans are nice and tender, remove the lid and add the tablespoon of butter to the mixture. Cook uncovered for another 2-3 minutes to reduce the liquid a bit, ensuring the beans are well coated. And don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to taste!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon over the green beans for a nice finishing touch. Now you are ready to enjoy these delicious Southern Style Green Beans as a perfect side for your next meal!
These green beans are great with BBQs, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want a comforting dish. Enjoy! 🌱
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. You can skip the blanching step; just sauté them in the skillet with the bacon and onion for a little longer until heated through.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make Southern Style Green Beans vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil in place of the bacon grease. You can also add smoked paprika to mimic that smoky flavor!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth to refresh the flavors.
What Should I Serve with Southern Style Green Beans?
These green beans pair perfectly with fried chicken, roasted meats, or BBQ dishes. They also make a delightful addition to a holiday dinner spread!
