Southern Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

Introduction

Southern green beans with bacon are a comforting and flavorful side dish that bring a touch of Southern charm to your table. Tender green beans simmered with savory bacon, onions, and a hint of Cajun seasoning make this recipe a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

• 6 slices of bacon
• 2 pounds green beans, rinsed and trimmed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large deep skillet with a lid, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the green beans, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine with the onion mixture. Cover the skillet and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender.
4. Step 4: Taste the green beans and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper. For some extra heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
5. Step 5: While the beans are cooking, crumble the cooked bacon. Once the beans are done, stir in half of the crumbled bacon and save the rest to sprinkle on top when serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, try adding a splash of smoked paprika to the seasoning blend.
• Use fresh green beans for the best texture, but frozen green beans can work in a pinch—just reduce cooking time accordingly.
• If you prefer milder beans, omit the Cajun seasoning and add a bay leaf while cooking for subtle aroma.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and sauté the beans with olive oil and smoked salt instead.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving for long periods as the beans can become mushy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?

Yes, fresh garlic from a clove that you mince yourself works perfectly and provides a fresher, more vibrant flavor than pre-minced garlic.

How do I know when the green beans are tender?

The green beans should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still have a slight bite. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and freshness of the beans, so check them periodically as they cook.

Southern Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 55 reviews

A delicious Southern-style green beans recipe cooked with crispy bacon, onions, garlic, and a touch of Cajun seasoning. These tender green beans are infused with smoky bacon flavor and make a perfect side dish for any meal.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

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Bacon and Seasoning

• 6 slices of bacon
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 2 pounds green beans, rinsed and trimmed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: In a large deep skillet with a lid, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet for cooking the vegetables.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its aroma.
3. Cook the green beans: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the green beans along with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the beans with the onion mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans become tender.
4. Adjust seasoning: Taste the green beans and add additional Cajun seasoning or salt and pepper if desired. For a spicy kick, you can incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper at this stage.
5. Add bacon to the beans: While the green beans are cooking, crumble half of the cooked bacon. Once the beans are tender, stir the crumbled bacon into the skillet. Reserve the remaining bacon to sprinkle on top when serving for extra crunch and flavor.

Notes

• Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor.
• If Cajun seasoning is unavailable, substitute with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and oregano.
• For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
• This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring Cajun seasoning contains no gluten additives.

Keywords: Southern green beans, green beans with bacon, Cajun green beans, southern side dish, green beans recipe