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Cozy Southern Style Green Beans with Bacon

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A comforting Southern side dish featuring tender green beans simmered in smoky bacon fat and chicken broth, perfect for cozy dinners and weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
  • 6 slices thick-cut or regular bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound of fresh green beans under cold water. Trim the ends and cut them into halves or thirds.
  2. In a large skillet, cook 6 slices of bacon over medium heat until crispy and browned, about 7-10 minutes, flipping occasionally. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion to the bacon fat. Cook on medium heat, stirring often, until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.
  5. Toss the trimmed green beans into the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir to coat with the bacon fat, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still have a snap.
  6. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender but not mushy.
  7. Crumble the cooked bacon back into the skillet. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir in apple cider vinegar if using, and cook uncovered for another 2 minutes.
  8. Optionally, stir in butter for extra richness.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for more rendered fat and flavor. Avoid overcooking green beans to keep a slight bite. Adjust salt carefully due to bacon’s saltiness. For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use olive oil with smoked paprika and vegetable broth. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: green beans, bacon, southern style, comfort food, easy side dish, weeknight dinner, smoky, savory

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/cozy-southern-style-green-beans-with-bacon-recipe-easy-and-delicious/