Southern Style Green Beans Recipe

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Southern Style Green Beans are the kind of comfort food that makes any meal feel like home. Simmered low and slow with smoky bacon, onions, and a few pantry staples, these beans are anything but boring. Whether you’re serving them up alongside fried chicken or a holiday roast, they bring a hearty, savory goodness that fits just about any occasion.

What sets this dish apart is its rich, savory flavor that comes from letting everything cook together until the green beans are meltingly tender. It’s a Southern tradition that knows no rush—just a whole lot of love in a pot. The aroma alone will transport you to Grandma’s kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Style Green Beans Recipe

This recipe is the ultimate comfort dish. The flavor base is deep and smoky from the bacon, with a touch of sweetness from onions and that unmistakable Southern touch. It’s easy to make, works as a side for many main dishes, and always gets better the longer it cooks. The leftovers? Even tastier the next day.

What Kind of Green Beans Should I Use?

Fresh green beans work best for that perfect tender-yet-sturdy texture, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen green beans can be used. Just avoid canned ones—they’re already too soft and don’t absorb the flavors nearly as well.

Ingredients for the Southern Style Green Beans Recipe

To make this dish truly sing with that Southern soul, each ingredient brings something special to the pot. This isn’t just a green bean recipe—it’s a slow-simmered, flavor-packed side that you’ll find yourself craving. Here’s what you need to make it happen:

• Green beans
• Bacon
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Chicken broth
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh green beans are the star, offering that signature snap and texture. Bacon adds that irresistible smokiness and savory fat. Yellow onion brings a soft sweetness that builds depth as it sautés. Garlic adds a subtle punch that rounds out the dish.

Chicken broth is essential to give the beans a slow-cooked richness. A pinch of salt and black pepper ties everything together. And if you want a little kick, a dash of red pepper flakes brings just the right heat.

How To Make the Southern Style Green Beans Recipe

Step 1: Render the Bacon

Start by chopping the bacon and cooking it in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until the fat renders and the pieces turn golden brown and slightly crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the remaining bacon fat, add the diced onion. Cook until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add in the garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Green Beans

Toss in the green beans and stir to coat them in the onion-garlic mixture. Let them sear slightly for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Add the chicken broth to the pot, making sure the beans are just covered. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Simmer uncovered for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and infused with all that flavor. If needed, add more broth or water to keep them from drying out.

Step 6: Finish with Bacon

Return the cooked bacon to the pot for the last few minutes of cooking. Give everything a final stir and taste for seasoning. Serve warm and enjoy that Southern goodness.

How to Serve and Store These Southern Style Green Beans

Southern Style Green Beans are best served hot and straight from the pot. They pair beautifully with Sunday dinner spreads, holiday meals, or any cozy night at home. This recipe serves about 6 people generously, especially when accompanied by other classic dishes.

To store, let the beans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat wonderfully on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can even freeze them for up to 2 months, just be sure to use a freezer-safe bag or container.

What to Serve With Southern Style Green Beans?

Fried Chicken

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, fried chicken is a classic partner for these savory beans. The richness of the bacon-laced green beans balances the crunch and flavor of the chicken perfectly.

Cornbread

A buttery slice of cornbread on the side soaks up all the flavorful broth from the green beans. It’s a Southern staple and a must-have for the full experience.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes act as a comforting base for the beans. Their smooth texture complements the heartiness of the green beans.

Meatloaf

A thick slice of meatloaf with a tangy glaze brings out the smoky and savory notes of the beans. This combo feels like a hearty dinner made for family gatherings.

Baked Ham

The sweet, salty profile of a glazed baked ham is the perfect contrast to the savory green beans. Serve both for a complete holiday-worthy plate.

Macaroni and Cheese

Rich and cheesy macaroni adds indulgence to your plate. It brings a creamy contrast that works well with the soft, seasoned beans.

Smothered Pork Chops

Tender pork chops with gravy elevate this dish even further. You get a satisfying bite every time with a spoonful of green beans on the side.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Fluffy, buttery biscuits go hand-in-hand with green beans. They make the meal feel more special and help scoop up every last bite.

Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If you can’t get enough of comforting sides like these Southern Style Green Beans, here are more recipes you’ll love from the blog:

• Try the Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions for a crispy, savory bite.
• Enjoy Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad for a cool and creamy contrast.
• Add some crunch with Smoky Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Salsa.
• Need something cheesy? Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly make the perfect addition to any meal.
• Keep things sweet with a Southern twist and check out the Honey Butter Skillet Corn.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it whenever you need a comforting classic.

And let me know in the comments if you added extra garlic or spiced it up with cayenne. I love hearing how others make these green beans their own. Your questions are always welcome too, so let’s share the love and tips.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food sides and feel-good dinner recipes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for meals that warm the soul: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Southern Style Green Beans are simple, soulful, and satisfying. With tender beans, smoky bacon, and a long simmer, they transform into something unforgettable. Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday table, this dish will always have a place.

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