Melt-in-Your-Mouth Southern Green Beans with Bacon
Experience the true flavors of the South with our Melt-in-Your-Mouth Southern Green Beans with Bacon. This heartwarming dish is inspired by an old family recipe and has been perfected to bring out the best in every ingredient. The vibrant green beans are infused with the savory richness of crispy bacon and the sweetness of caramelized onions, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Ideal for summer cookouts, holiday gatherings, or as a comforting addition to any meal, these green beans will leave your guests raving and wanting more. The low and slow cooking method ensures that the beans become tender and flavorful, making this a must-try recipe for any Southern cuisine lover.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen green beans
1 (16 oz) bag (Do not drain)
Bacon
4-6 slices (Cooked and crumbled)
Onion
1 large (Sliced into thick chunks)
Red pepper flakes
1 dash (Optional)
Salt
To taste
Pepper
To taste
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the green beans (if using canned, include the juices; if frozen, add just enough water to cover but not drown the beans). Set the heat to medium and bring to a gentle simmer.
2
While the beans are cooking, fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's cooked through but still tender, not too crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on a paper towel to absorb excess fat.
3
Slice the onion into thick rings and separate them into the pot with the green beans.
4
Crumble or tear the cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot with the green beans and onions.
5
Sprinkle in red pepper flakes (if using) and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6
Allow the mixture to cook on low heat for several hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes.
7
If you're short on time, you can crank up the heat to medium-high and cook until the water evaporates and the beans are tender, roughly 30-40 minutes.
8
Alternatively, for a hands-off approach, transfer the mixture to a crockpot, set it to low, and let it simmer all day for an easy, flavorful side dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Melt-in-Your-Mouth Southern Green Beans with Bacon?
This is a heartwarming Southern side dish inspired by an old family recipe, featuring green beans infused with savory bacon and caramelized onions using a low and slow cooking method.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include a 16 oz bag of frozen green beans, 4-6 slices of bacon, one large onion, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Can I use canned green beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned green beans. If you do, be sure to include the juices from the can in the pot.
How much bacon is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4-6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled.
Should the bacon be very crispy?
No, the bacon should be cooked until it is cooked through but still tender, rather than being too crispy.
How should I prepare the onion?
The onion should be sliced into thick rings or chunks and separated before being added to the pot.
Are red pepper flakes necessary?
Red pepper flakes are optional and can be added as a dash for a hint of heat if desired.
How long should I cook the green beans on low heat?
For the best flavor, allow the mixture to cook on low heat for several hours.
Is there a faster way to cook these green beans?
Yes, you can cook them on medium-high heat for roughly 30-40 minutes until the water evaporates and the beans are tender.
Can I use a crockpot for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for a crockpot. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and let it simmer all day.
What setting should I use for the crockpot?
Set the crockpot to the low setting for a hands-off approach.
Should I drain the liquid from canned green beans?
No, if you are using canned green beans, you should include the juices.
How much water is needed for frozen green beans?
Add just enough water to cover the frozen beans without drowning them.
How should I prepare the bacon after frying?
After frying, remove the bacon and drain it on a paper towel to absorb any excess fat before crumbling it.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Add the salt and pepper along with the red pepper flakes after adding the bacon and onions to the beans.
How often should I stir the beans?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it cooks to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pot.
What type of cuisine is this recipe?
This recipe is a classic example of Southern cuisine.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, these green beans are an ideal addition to holiday gatherings or summer cookouts.
Can I serve these at a summer cookout?
Absolutely, they are a great side dish for summer cookouts.
Why is the low and slow method used?
The low and slow cooking method ensures that the beans become extremely tender and flavorful.
How should the bacon be added to the pot?
The cooked bacon should be crumbled or torn into bite-sized pieces before being added to the pot.
What happens to the flavor the longer the beans cook?
The longer the green beans cook on low heat, the more flavorful the dish becomes.
How do I prevent the beans from sticking to the pot?
Occasional stirring is the best way to prevent the beans and onions from sticking to the pot during the long cook time.
What size onion is best for this recipe?
A large onion is recommended to provide enough sweetness and texture to the dish.
Can I use this recipe as a comforting side dish?
Yes, the description highlights this as a comforting addition to any meal.
How do I know when the beans are done if cooking on medium-high?
They are done when the water has evaporated and the beans have reached a tender consistency.
Should I separate the onion rings?
Yes, you should separate the thick-sliced onion rings as you add them to the pot.
What heat should I use to fry the bacon?
Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat.
Is this dish inspired by a specific tradition?
Yes, it is inspired by an old family recipe and traditional Southern cooking styles.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The final dish features vibrant, melt-in-your-mouth tender green beans with a harmony of savory and sweet textures.