Southern-Style Green Beans

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American Southern

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 1

Total Time: 1 15

Servings:

Calories: 220kcal

Author: Kris Longwell

Slowly simmered green beans with bacon, herbs, and a touch of butter take this side dish to the next level. And, they can be made in advance and then reheated before serving. Perfect for a special holiday feast, but also a Sunday dinner at home.

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Equipment

1 Large pot with lid the size you would boil pasta in

Ingredients

4 slices bacon thick-cut, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium onion chopped, about 1 cup
3 cloves garlic minced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper more for extra heat
1½ lbs green beans fresh, trimmed and halved
2½ cups chicken broth plus extra, as needed
2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 sprigs thyme fresh
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoon butter unsalted

Instructions

Cook the bacon in a large pot (or Dutch oven) over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels. Spoon out enough of the rendered bacon grease to leave about 2 tablespoons.
4 slices bacon
Add the onions to the pot and sauté in the bacon grease until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for another 30 seconds.
1 medium onion, 3 cloves garlic, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Add the green beans, broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer the beans until they are very tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
1½ lbs green beans, 2½ cups chicken broth, 2 teaspoon Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 3 sprigs thyme, 1 bay leaf
Use tongs to remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the pot. Stir in the butter and cooked bacon. Serve at once.
2 tablespoon butter

Video

Notes

NOTE: Watch the video near the top of the recipe for visual guidance.

The beans can be trimmed up to 48 hours in advance of cooking them. (Do this ahead of time; it will save you time when you're ready to start cooking).

The beans can be simmered several hours in advance of serving. Don't stir in the butter and bacon until ready to serve. Reheat the beans over medium heat.

Leftovers are delicious and can be kept in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat.

Nutrition