Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both quick to prepare and packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! Our Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is a delightful combination that brings comfort to any meal. The crispy bacon pairs perfectly with fresh green beans, all tied together with a touch of sweetness. It’s the kind of dish that turns busy weeknights into something special or adds a comforting touch to family gatherings.

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken or as part of a hearty holiday spread, these green beans will shine on your dinner table. Let’s dive into why this dish will become one of your favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up even on the busiest nights!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Kids and adults alike love the savory taste of bacon combined with sweet green beans.
• Make-Ahead Option: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep!
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with almost any main course for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun of cooking! For our Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe, you’ll need just a few items that are likely already in your pantry or fridge.

For the Dish

• 1 pound fresh green beans (ends trimmed)
• 6 slices bacon (chopped)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up and make it your own. Here are some tasty variations:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey bacon or even plant-based bacon for a lighter option.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Try different sweeteners: Experiment with honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique twist.

How to Make Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial because the rendered fat from the bacon will add flavor to your dish! Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving that delicious grease behind.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 3-5 minutes. Sautéing onions is important as it brings out their natural sweetness, which will balance out the flavors in our dish beautifully.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Mixture

Stir in the brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper with the onions. Cook this mixture for another 2 minutes until it’s fragrant. This step adds depth to your green beans by infusing them with wonderfully savory notes!

Step 4: Add Green Beans

Toss in those lovely green beans! Make sure they get coated well in that onion-sugar mixture. This will ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Simmer it Down

Pour in the chicken broth (if using) and bring everything to a simmer. Reduce your heat to low, cover, and let those green beans cook until tender—about 15 minutes. This slow cooking allows all those flavors to meld together nicely.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Once your green beans are just how you like them, return that crispy bacon back into the skillet. Stir everything together gently so that each bite has both crispy bits of bacon and tender green beans.

Step 7: Season & Serve

Finally, season with salt to taste before serving hot. Your Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is now ready to delight everyone at your table! Enjoy this comforting side dish that complements any meal beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe

Creating this delightful dish can be even easier with a few handy tips. Let’s ensure your green beans turn out perfectly every time!

• Choose fresh green beans: Using fresh green beans instead of frozen will give you a better texture and taste, making your dish more vibrant and flavorful.
• Cook bacon until crispy: Ensuring the bacon is cooked until crispy adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender green beans, enhancing the overall experience of the dish.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar according to your preference. This flexibility allows you to balance the sweetness with the savory flavors based on your family’s taste.
• Experiment with spices: While garlic powder is delicious, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for an extra kick! This can elevate the flavor profile and add depth to your dish.
• Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together, resulting in a more harmonious taste when served.

How to Serve Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans Recipe

When it comes to serving this Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe, presentation can make all the difference! Here are some ideas that will impress your family or guests while keeping it simple.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness, brightening up the dish.
• Toasted almond slices: A handful of toasted almonds not only adds a lovely crunch but also complements the flavors beautifully with their nutty taste.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread pairs perfectly with this dish, soaking up any leftover juices while providing a comforting element.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw offers a nice contrast in texture and flavor, balancing the richness of the bacon while adding a bit of crunch.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a hearty meal when served alongside green beans, making it perfect for any dinner table.
• Grilled chicken: Adding grilled chicken as a protein option can round out this meal beautifully. The smoky flavor complements the green beans wonderfully!

Enjoy your meal, share it with loved ones, and relish in the comfort that comes from great food!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to manage leftovers and ensure freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover green beans in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• Allow the green beans to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• For quick reheating, use the microwave: place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop: add a splash of water or chicken broth in a skillet over medium heat until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about our Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe that may help you out!

Can I make this Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute bacon with plant-based bacon or smoked paprika for that savory flavor. You may also want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe?

You can add additional spices like cayenne pepper, thyme, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Experimenting with these flavors can elevate your dish even more!

What should I serve with this Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe?

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, or as part of a larger spread with cornbread or mashed potatoes. It complements many Southern-style meals perfectly.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Quick and Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans recipe becomes a cherished addition to your dinner table! With its delightful blend of flavors and straightforward preparation, you’ll find it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners alike. Enjoy making this dish, share it with loved ones, and savor every bite together!