Southern Style Green Beans are super easy to make soul food. Plus, they're packed with flavor thanks to the addition of vinegar, garlic, onion, and bacon. Pair them with Hatch Chile Meatloaf, Smoked Turkey, or Smoked Chicken for an authentic Southern comfort meal.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Classic Southern-style Green Beans are a huge hit in my family, and I'm sure they will be in yours too. The vinegary flavor mixed with smokey bacon and buttery beans is perfect with meals like slow cooker short ribs and also pairs nicely with twice-baked mashed potatoes. Now, that's what I call southern comfort food!
If you want a heartier side dish, try this Green Beans and Potatoes Recipe!
Ingredients
Green Beans: I like canned Italian-style Green Beans for this recipe. Many recipes you'll find call for French cut, but I like the texture of the larger beans better.
Onion: A medium to large white or yellow onion is all that you'll need.
Butter: A little salted butter can go a long way in this green bean recipe.
Garlic: Jarred or freshly minced garlic is perfect.
Bacon: I always opt for thick-cut bacon like Wright Brand. It has a ton of flavor and adds a beautiful texture.
Vinegar: Just some white distilled vinegar, nothing fancy.
Salt: Kosher salt is my go-to for just about every recipe.
Pepper: Regular ground black pepper to your liking.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Begin by cooking and crumbling the bacon into bits.
Next, add the butter, garlic, and diced onions to a medium-sized pot and sauté until the onions soften.
Step 2: Add the bacon to the onions and garlic, stirring to combine.
Drain the cans of green beans and add them to the pot, gently stirring to mix them. Pour in the vinegar, place the lid on the pot, and simmer the beans over low heat for at least 15 minutes or until ready to serve.
Expert Tips
- I recommend using plain white vinegar. While you can substitute that with apple cider vinegar, It adds a different flavor that doesn't seem necessary for this recipe.
- It's very important to drain the beans. The last thing you want is water beans.
- This is a quick and easy recipe and makes a perfect southern side. If you are making a large dinner to be served family style, you can also add these to a slow cooker set to keep warm so they're ready to go.
More Recipes You'll Love
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📖 Recipe
Southern Style Green Beans
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. Salted Butter
- 1 Tbsp. Minced Garlic
- 1 Medium Yellow/White Onion - diced
- 3 Thick Cut Bacon Slices - crumbled
- 3 Cans Italian Style Green Beans - drained
- 3 Tbsp. Distilled White Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon and crumble into bits. Set aside.
- In a medium sized pot on medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Saute until onions become soft and garlic fragrant. Stir the bacon bits into the pot and mix well.
- Drain the green beans and add to the pot of bacon, onion and garlic. Stir gently to mix together.
- Pour in the vinegar and gently stir again.
- Place the lid on the pot and simmer the beans over low heat for at least 15 minutes, or until ready to serve.
Video
Notes
- I recommend using plain white vinegar. While you can substitute that with apple cider vinegar, It adds a different flavor that doesn't seem necessary for this recipe.
- It's very important to drain the beans. The dish will be very watery if they are not drained first.
- This is a quick and easy recipe and makes a perfect southern side. If you are making a large dinner to be served family style, add these to a slow cooker set to keep warm so they're ready to go.
Liana says
Wonderful!
Liana says
I made these for Christmas and they came out great! I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and this is one of the easiest recipes I’ve found, kudos! Will be making again!
Jeremy Klae says
So glad these turned out well for you! Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know and happy holidays to you and your family.