Southern Green Beans
Tender southern green beans slow-cooked with crispy bacon, sweet onions, and savory seasonings create the ultimate comfort food side dish that's perfect for any meal.
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh green beans (trimmed and snapped into 2-inch lengths)
- 6 slices bacon (cut into ½-inch pieces)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Drain bacon: Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté green beans: Add green beans to bacon drippings and cook for 4-5 minutes until they turn bright green.
- Add liquid and seasonings: Carefully pour 2 cups chicken stock over the beans. Then, add garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add bacon back: Stir cooked bacon pieces back into the pot with the seasoned green beans completely.
- Simmer low and slow: Reduce heat to low, cover with lid slightly off-center, simmer 60 minutes stirring every 15.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then serve immediately while flavors are at their peak.
Notes
- Don't skip the bacon fat – it adds incredible flavor to your beans.
- Cooking time may vary depending on how tender you prefer your green beans.
- Leftover beans reheat beautifully with a splash of extra broth if needed.
- Fresh beans work best, but frozen can substitute with reduced cooking time.
- This recipe doubles easily for larger gatherings and special occasions.