Southern Green Beans

First, we fry bacon to create these southern green beans. Then, we use the rendered fat from the pork to make a savory base to saute garlic and onions. Afterward, we toss the green beans with spices like red pepper flakes to infuse heat. Then, we pour in chicken broth to allow all of the flavors to simmer. The nice part? This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to assemble and you can have a delicious side on the table with little to no effort.

Ingredients for Southern Green Beans

• Green beans: We rely on fresh green beans for this recipe and trim their edges before cooking them.
• Bacon: We add bacon and the pork’s rendered fat to infuse rich and smoky flavors into these green beans.
• Sauce: We create a savory sauce by stewing the green beans in bacon, bacon fat, garlic, onions, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. 

Directions   

Step 1: Cut and wash the green beans

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

Wash the green beans. Next, trim the edges off of them before cooking. 

Step 2: Fry the bacon

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. This takes about eight to ten minutes. Then remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard all but one tablespoon of the bacon fat.

Step 3: Assemble the green beans

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the onion and cook until tender, about four to five minutes. Next, stir in the garlic and cook for one minute longer. Add the chicken stock and green beans. Cover everything and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the lid and cook until the green beans are slightly tender and the liquid gets absorbed, about five to 10 minutes. Lastly, stir in the salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Top with crispy bacon.

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

Southern Green Beans Variations

• Add spicy peppers: To add extra heat to these Southern green beans, try mincing some jalapenos or serrano peppers and tossing them into the mixture.
• Swap the pork for turkey: If you don’t eat pork, try substituting the bacon in this recipe for smoked turkey.
• Add bell peppers: Finely chop some bell peppers and add them to this recipe for subtle sweetness.

How to Store Southern Green Beans

First, let your green beans come to room temperature, then divide any large portions into smaller servings. Store them in an airtight container for three to four days.

Can you make these green beans ahead of time? 

If you have a holiday dinner approaching and want to prepare as many sides in advance, you’ll want to save this recipe. Simply follow the recipe, allow the green beans to cool and store them in your fridge for three to four days until you’re ready to serve.

Can you freeze southern green beans?

If you have a lot of leftover green beans, you can freeze them for two to three months and reheat them using a slow cooker, microwave or stovetop.

How long do green beans last? 

Southern green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days or in the freezer for two to three months. 

Southern Green Beans Recipe Tips

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

Can I make a vegan version of these southern green beans?

You can easily make a plant-based version of this recipe with a few swaps. For example, use vegan bacon instead of pork bacon. Or you can nix the idea of meat in this recipe entirely and add a few mushrooms like shiitake, maitake or portobellos to infuse umami flavors. 

Can I use a different vegetable in this recipe?

While we recommend green beans, if you have other vegetables in your fridge that are in need of being used, there are a few alternatives that will work deliciously. Trying adding in Brussels sprouts, kale or collard greens.

What can I serve with southern green beans?

Southern green beans and ham are delicious and smoky and pair well with creamy sides like mac and cheese, au gratin or mashed potatoes. You should also plate them with a hearty protein like roasted turkey, ham or chicken.