🥓🌿 Old-Fashioned Southern Green Beans with Bacon – A Classic Comfort Side Dish

Nothing says Southern comfort like a big pot of Old-Fashioned Southern Green Beans with Bacon. Slow-simmered with smoky bacon, onions, and simple seasonings, these green beans turn tender, flavorful, and downright irresistible. This is the kind of side dish that brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen and Sunday dinners.

Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or everyday family meals!

⭐ Why You’ll Love These Southern Green Beans

• ✔️ Classic Southern comfort food

• ✔️ Rich, smoky bacon flavor

• ✔️ Simple pantry ingredients

• ✔️ Perfect side dish for any meal

🛒 Ingredients for Southern Green Beans with Bacon

• 1½ lbs fresh green beans, trimmed

• 6 slices bacon, chopped

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ cups chicken broth (or water)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Optional: ½ tsp sugar or red pepper flakes

👩‍🍳 How to Make Old-Fashioned Southern Green Beans with Bacon

1️⃣ Cook the Bacon

In a large pot or deep skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove some bacon for garnish, leaving the drippings.

2️⃣ Sauté the Onion

Add diced onion to the bacon grease. Cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3️⃣ Add the Green Beans

Add trimmed green beans and toss to coat with bacon flavor.

4️⃣ Simmer Low & Slow

Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 35–45 minutes until beans are very tender and flavorful.

5️⃣ Season & Serve

Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle reserved bacon on top and serve hot.

🔥 Tips for the Best Southern-Style Green Beans

• Use fresh or canned green beans (drained)

• Add a ham hock for extra smoky depth

• Simmer longer for true Southern softness

• A pinch of sugar balances the saltiness

🍗 What to Serve with Southern Green Beans

• Fried chicken

• Meatloaf

• Mashed potatoes

• Cornbread