Southern Style Green Beans
These Southern style green beans are slow simmered with bacon, onions, and garlic in a rich, savory broth until perfectly tender. A classic comfort food side dish that’s full of smoky flavor and perfect for holidays or everyday dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 1 HOUR 30 MINS
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 5-6 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: AMERICAN COMFORT, COMFORT FOOD
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices bacon (or 1 smoked ham hock)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the grease in the pot.
- Add diced onion to the pot and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add green beans and toss to coat in the bacon drippings.
- Pour in chicken broth and add salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar if using.
- Crumble bacon and return it to the pot (or add ham hock).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 to 1½ hours, until beans are tender and full of flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with broth spooned over the top.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, use a smoked ham hock or smoked turkey
- Longer simmering creates softer, more traditional Southern-style beans
- Add diced potatoes for a heartier version
- A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the flavor
Find it online: https://www.firsthomelovelife.com/southern-style-green-beans/