These Southern Style Green Beans are a classic family favorite side dish! Fresh green beans simmered in a flavorful broth, lightly seasoned and garnished with crispy, crumbly bacon.
All about these Green Beans…
- Skip the canned beans. This dish is made with fresh beans! But thanks to a nice long simmer in a flavorful broth, they end up just as soft, but way more flavorful than canned beans.
- The perfect side, while these green beans are the perfect accompaniment to any Holiday table setting, they also pair nicely with any other meal. Serve these alongside some Smoked Pork Ribs, Pan Seared Steak, or with a classic Texas Smoked Brisket.
- Dress them up or down, thanks to the simplicity of this recipe feel free to add or adjust according to your taste. One of my favorites is to add a bit of crushed red pepper for a hint of heat.
Ingredients Needed:
Notes on some ingredients:
- Green beans: this recipe can be made with fresh or frozen beans. Canned beans will not have the desired effect since they won’t receive the flavoring during the simmer time.
- Broth: use a low or no sodium chicken broth. Using just water won’t give the same flavorings to the beans.
How to make (step-by-step):
- Step 1: Cook the bacon to desired done-ness and let the fat render out.
- Step 2: Remove the bacon, but keep the bacon drippings for extra flavoring for the beans.
- Step 3: Cook the onion and garlic in the bacon drippings, then add the green beans, cover with broth.
- Step 4: Let the beans cook at a low simmer for 1-2 hours until beans are fully softened. They will have a darker, more olive coloring when done.
- Step 5: Strain the beans, discarding the broth, season with salt and pepper. Then serve the beans in a dish topped with the crumbled up bacon.
Expert Tips:
- Variations: if you’re looking to add some extra flavors to your beans fresh herbs are a great option. For a more savory flavoring a splash of Worcestershire sauce mixed in with the broth, or some mushrooms will do the trick.
- Storage & Freezing: store these beans in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Or to freeze, let cool to room temperature, place in a freezer safe container and freeze for 3-4 months. To thaw, remove to the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
- Spice: sprinkle just a small amount of crushed red pepper on the cooked beans for a bit of spice to your finished dish if desired.
- Ham Hocks: if you have some ham hocks, or a ham bone feel free to toss this into the pot with the beans and water for the simmering, then you can omit the broth since you will be making your own.
Southern Green Beans: FAQs
Yes. Some other names you may see are: French beans, string beans, snap beans or snaps.
The longer green beans are cooked, the more bright green coloring will leave them. While serving bright green beans with a lingering crunch is a trendy option, these southern style beans are way more flavorful and have a melt in your mouth texture that will leave you coming back for seconds and thirds!
Yes. Cook the bacon in a skillet, and add the drippings and remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 4 hours or until the beans are completely softened. Strain the beans, season and top with the crispy bacon.
More Side Dish Recipes:
- Easy Homemade Creamed Corn
- Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- Mashed Potato Casserole
- Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Classic Cornbread Dressing
If you tried this recipe please leave a comment and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below! Thank you so much!
Photography done by the talented @KJandCompany.co
