Southern Style Green Beans are my family’s favorite way to eat green beans. By incorporating bacon, onions, garlic, and chicken stock with green beans, you can achieve a richness of flavor that surpasses that of plain boiled green beans.
I love just about any recipe that starts with rendered bacon and sautéed onions. The flavors created from these two simple steps can elevate almost any dish. When combined with green beans, you get this delicious rich, smoky flavor that enhances the green beans. This Southern staple is one of my favorite side dishes to make for my family.
Southern Style Green Beans is a versatile side dish that complements nearly any dish. They pair well with everything from roasted pork tenderloin to meatballs and brown gravy, and even the traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas ham.
Besides the salt, pepper and red pepper flakes (optional) this easy to make side dish uses just 5 simple ingredients.
- Bacon – Thick cut smoky bacon helps to add delicious flavor to these green beans.
- Onions – You can use yellow or white onions in this recipe.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is preferred but can be substituted with 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
- Chicken Stock – Either chicken stock or chicken broth can be used. If using salted stock/broth add salt to taste.
- Green Beans – This recipe can be made with fresh, frozen or canned green beans. the difference is the amount of time each will need to be cooked. Fresh will need to be cooked the longest.
- Spices/Seasonings – You will need salt, pepper and red pepper flakes (optional) for this recipe. Each is added to taste.
The full recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
This recipe is incredibly easy to make and can even be prepped in advance for events like cookouts or holiday dinners.
STEP 1
In a large pot add the bacon and begin rendering off the fat. Once the bacon fat bacon has nearly rendered add in the onions and sauté until softened.
Tip
Set aside a portion of the cooked bacon to garnish the final dish for presentation.
STEP 2
Now add the garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken stock and stir to combine.
STEP 3
Add the green beans, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes or until the green beans are tender. Adjust seasonings if needed. Enjoy!
Need to prep this recipe ahead of time? No problem, Just cook the bacon, onions, and garlic as directed. After cooking the garlic, turn off the heat and transfer everything to a large container. Then, mix in the remaining ingredients, allow it to cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
When you are ready to cook the green beans add the mixture to a pot and bring to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes or until the green beans are tender.
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Southern Style Green Beans
If you are looking for a way to elevate green beans for dinner tonight, this Southern Style Green Beans recipe is for you! Bacon, onions and garlic bring a delicious depth of flavor to this green bean dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pot over medium heat, add the bacon and start rendering the fat. Once the bacon is nearly fully rendered, add the onions and sauté until they are softened, which should take about 5 minutes.
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Now add the garlic to the pot and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken stock and stir to fully combine.
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Add the green beans, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes or until the green beans are tender. Adjust seasonings if needed. Enjoy!
Note
If using salted chicken stock/broth the amount of salted added may need to be adjusted.
