Southern Style Green Beans

5 from 3 votes

Old fashioned southern green beans are tender, flavorful, and infused with the rich taste of bacon and onion.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword country-style green beans, old fashioned southern green beans, southern green beans recipe, southern style green beans

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings people

Calories 108kcal

In a large Dutch oven or cast iron braiser, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 7-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in garlic (if using) and cook for 30-60 more seconds. Add the green beans, chicken broth, sugar, soy sauce, black pepper, and half of the cooked bacon into the pot with the onion. Set the remaining half of the bacon aside to use as a garnish at the end.
Bring the broth to a boil; reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer (stirring occasionally) until the green beans are very tender, about 40-45 minutes. Taste and season with salt, if necessary. Garnish with reserved crispy bacon.

Bacon: Thick-cut bacon renders the most flavorful drippings. You can substitute with ham hocks, smoked turkey wings, smoked sausage, or smoked pork neck bones for different flavor profiles.
Green beans: Fresh green beans are ideal when in season. Frozen cut green beans work well too. Add them frozen and cook 5-10 minutes longer. Avoid canned beans for this recipe.
Chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Seasoning: Taste before adding salt (the bacon and broth add plenty of saltiness). Start with less and add more at the end. Adjust sugar to taste for a touch of traditional Southern sweetness.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, or microwave individual servings for 30-60 seconds. Add a splash of broth if the beans seem dry.