There's something deeply comforting about the smell of bacon crisping in a skillet. Add sweet onions and tender green beans, and you've got a side dish that feels like a warm hug from a Southern kitchen. This Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe blends smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite. It's simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough for a Sunday supper.
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I tested this recipe several times to get that perfect balance of sweetness from the brown sugar and richness from the bacon drippings. The key is to let the beans simmer slowly so they soak up all that smoky flavor. Once you taste it, you'll understand why it's a Southern classic. Ready to cook? Let's dive in.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Family-friendly and full of flavor
- Perfect for holidays or potlucks
- Comforting, smoky, and sweet
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup chicken broth (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Green beans: Fresh beans give the best texture, but frozen work if thawed and patted dry.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon gives more chew and flavor, though any kind is fine.
- Brown sugar: Adjust to your taste. It adds that signature Southern sweetness.
- Chicken broth: Optional but deepens the flavor. Water works if you prefer a lighter dish.
- Onions: Yellow onions melt beautifully, but red onions add color and a mild sweetness.
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, keeping the bacon drippings in the pan.
- Sauté the onions: Add the diced onion to the bacon grease. Cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add flavor: Stir in the brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let it cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture smells sweet and smoky.
- Add the green beans: Toss the beans in the onion mixture until well coated.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth if using. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
- Finish: Stir the cooked bacon back in, toss gently, and heat through for another 2 minutes. Season with salt to taste and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
Top Tip
- Simmer slowly: Let the beans absorb all that bacon and onion flavor.
- Fresh drippings matter: Bacon grease adds authentic Southern depth don't skip it.
- Add brightness: A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end balances the sweetness.
- Batch-friendly: This recipe doubles easily for larger gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals.
- Freeze: Not ideal fresh green beans hold their texture better than frozen ones after cooking.
Make Ahead and Freezing
You can cook the bacon and onions ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the mix in a skillet, add the green beans, and finish cooking. The flavor develops beautifully as it rests.
Tips and Variations
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
- Maple twist: Swap brown sugar for a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Smokier flavor: Stir in a few drops of liquid smoke.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based bacon and vegetable broth.
- Holiday serving: Garnish with toasted almonds for crunch and elegance.
FAQs
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to about 5 minutes since they're already tender.
Use just 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or skip it entirely.
Yes, it reheats well and often tastes even better the next day.
It pairs wonderfully with roast chicken, barbecue, or even baked salmon.
📖 Recipe
Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
A smoky-sweet Southern classic made with crisp bacon, sweet onions, and tender green beans. This comfort side dish is perfect for weeknights or holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup chicken broth (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings.
- Add diced onion to the bacon grease. Cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until aromatic.
- Toss in the green beans and coat well in the mixture.
- Pour in chicken broth if using. Simmer covered over low heat for 15 minutes, or until beans are tender.
- Return cooked bacon to the skillet, stir gently, and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and serve hot.
Notes
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave. For extra flavor, finish with a splash of apple cider vinegar or toasted almonds for a holiday twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Southern green beans alongside roasted meats or holiday mains. I love them next to mashed potatoes and cornbread for a cozy, balanced meal. You might also like my Honey Butter Skillet Cornbread for a sweet and buttery pairing.
For more about Southern side dishes, check out Southern Living's guide to classic Southern vegetables.
Nutrition and Notes
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Skill Level: Easy
- Calories: About 210 per serving
This recipe has been tested several times for the perfect texture. The beans stay tender yet firm, and the smoky-sweet glaze clings to each bite. It's one of those simple sides that never disappoints.
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