Savory Southern Style Green Beans with Bacon
Indulge in the homestyle goodness of these Southern-style green beans, infused with the rich flavors of smoky bacon and the subtle sweetness of onion. This recipe transforms simple green beans into a comforting side dish that's perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delightful vegetable dish that complements any main course. Share this savory delight with friends and family, and bring a taste of Cracker Barrel right into your kitchen!
6
Servings
50
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
1/4 lb (sliced and cut into 1-inch pieces)
Green Beans
3 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (with liquid)
Yellow Onion
1/4 (peeled and chopped)
Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a 2-quart saucepan, cook the sliced bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes lightly browned but not crisp, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2
Once the bacon has browned, carefully add the three cans of green beans along with their liquid to the saucepan.
3
Sprinkle the granulated sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the beans, and stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
4
Evenly distribute the chopped yellow onion on top of the green bean mixture, allowing its flavor to infuse during cooking.
5
Cover the saucepan with a lid and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
6
Once it reaches a light boil, reduce the heat to low, and allow it to simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally for even flavor distribution.
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
5g
Carbs
1.3g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southern style green beans?
Southern style green beans are a traditional side dish where green beans are slow-simmered with savory fats like bacon and aromatics until tender and flavorful.
What type of green beans are used in this recipe?
This specific recipe uses three 14.5-ounce cans of green beans, including their liquid.
Do I need to drain the green beans?
No, do not drain them. The liquid from the cans is used to simmer the beans and infuse them with bacon and onion flavor.
How long does it take to cook this dish?
The recipe takes about 5-7 minutes to brown the bacon followed by a 45-minute simmer, totaling roughly 55 minutes.
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you will need to add water or broth to replace the canning liquid and potentially increase the simmering time until they reach the desired tenderness.
Is this recipe similar to Cracker Barrel green beans?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be a homestyle version inspired by the savory green beans served at Cracker Barrel.
What kind of bacon is best for this recipe?
Any standard sliced bacon works well. You will need 1/4 lb cut into 1-inch pieces.
Why is sugar added to the green beans?
A small amount of granulated sugar (1 teaspoon) is added to balance the saltiness of the bacon and enhance the natural sweetness of the onion.
Should the bacon be crispy?
No, the bacon should be cooked until lightly browned but not crisp before adding the other ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 50 calories.
Can I substitute yellow onion with another type?
Yes, you can use white onion or Vidalia onion, though yellow onion is preferred for its balanced flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are gluten-free, but always verify the labels on your canned beans and bacon to ensure no cross-contamination.
What main dishes pair well with Southern green beans?
They pair excellently with roasted chicken, meatloaf, pork chops, or holiday ham.
How should I store leftover green beans?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze these green beans?
Yes, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the bacon first, then place all ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.
Can I use turkey bacon instead?
You can, though the flavor will be less smoky and you may need to add a little oil as turkey bacon has less fat.
What size pot should I use?
A 2-quart saucepan is the ideal size for this recipe.
Do I need to stir the beans while they simmer?
Yes, stir occasionally to ensure even flavor distribution and to prevent the beans at the bottom from sticking.
What is the nutritional breakdown for fat and protein?
Each serving has 3.3g of fat and 1.3g of protein.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients and use a larger pot, such as a 4-quart saucepan.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat until warm, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Is the black pepper necessary?
Freshly ground black pepper adds a depth of flavor, but you can adjust the amount to your personal preference.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, but you will need to add about 1.5 cups of liquid (water or broth) since frozen beans do not have the liquid found in cans.
Why do the onions go on top?
Distributing the chopped onion on top allows its juices and flavor to gradually infuse the mixture as it heats up.
Is this a low-carb side dish?
With 5g of carbohydrates and 1g of fiber per serving, it is relatively low in net carbs.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, adding a clove of minced garlic during the last minute of browning the bacon is a great variation.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but you may want to taste it first as canned beans and bacon already contain sodium.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday dinners?
Yes, its homestyle flavor and easy preparation make it a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas feasts.