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Savory Southern Green Beans with Bacon

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A comforting and flavorful southern side dish featuring tender green beans simmered with crispy bacon, onions, and a touch of apple cider vinegar for brightness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Trim and rinse the green beans under cold water. Drain well.
  2. Place bacon slices in a cold large skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy and browned, about 8–10 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.
  4. Toss the green beans into the skillet, stirring to coat them with the bacon fat and onions. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, then season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cover the skillet partially with a lid and let the beans simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still bright green. Add a splash of water or more broth if the liquid evaporates too quickly.
  7. Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it into the beans just before serving.

Notes

Start cooking bacon in a cold pan to render fat evenly and prevent burning. Cook onions low and slow to bring out sweetness without browning. Add garlic last and cook briefly to avoid bitterness. Simmer green beans in broth for richer flavor. Adjust seasoning as broth and bacon saltiness can vary. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke with vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: southern green beans, green beans with bacon, southern side dish, bacon green beans, easy green beans recipe, comfort food, southern cooking

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/savory-southern-green-beans-with-bacon-easy-homemade-recipe-for-perfect-sides/