Southern Green Beans Bacon

Bring bold Southern flavors to your table with this irresistible Southern Green Beans with Bacon recipe! Tender, fresh green beans are simmered to perfection in savory chicken broth, infused with the smoky richness of crispy bacon, and enhanced by the sweetness of sautéed onions and garlic. Butter adds a luscious depth to the dish, while a touch of red pepper flakes provides an optional kick for those who love a hint of spice. Ready in just 40 minutes and perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this classic Southern side dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, cornbread, or mashed potatoes. Simple, hearty, and packed with comforting flavors, it's a quintessential crowd-pleaser that brings Southern charm to any meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 medium-sized yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the green beans and trim the ends. Set them aside.

Step 2

Cut the bacon into small pieces using a sharp knife.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until they are crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Step 4

Dice the onion and mince the garlic while the bacon cooks.

Step 5

In the same skillet with the rendered bacon fat, add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 7

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, as these add flavor.

Step 8

Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet, along with the cooked bacon. Stir to coat the beans in the broth mixture.

Step 9

Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Step 10

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the green beans cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the beans are tender but still have a slight crunch, or adjust the cooking time based on your preferred texture.

Step 11

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm as a side dish and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(889.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	642.1

Total Fat 41.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 20.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 109.5mg	0%
Sodium 2577.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 46.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.8g	0%
Total Sugars 20.3g
Protein 29.6g	0%

Vitamin D 7.7IU	0%
Calcium 237.3mg	0%
Iron 6.3mg	0%
Potassium 1607.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.2%

Protein: 17.3%

Carbs: 27.5%