Southern green beans are easy to make, tender beans that are flavored with bacon or ham hocks. These green beans are a must-have side dish on every Southern table.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Total Time50 minutesmins
Servings: 8servings
Calories: 172kcal
Author: Lucy Brewer
Ingredients
2lbs.green beans (use frozen or fresh)
6-7slicesbacon, chopped into one inch pieces
6cupschicken stock (you may not need all of this--just cover the beans in the pot)
2tbsp.garlic powder
½tbsp.salt
1tspblack pepper
4tbsp.unsalted butter
Instructions
If using fresh green beans, snap off the ends then snap the beans into 2-inch pieces. Wash thoroughly.
Cook bacon until crispy, then remove from pot.
Add green beans to bacon grease and stir to coat well.
Add bacon back to pot. Add broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer and cook until tender, 30-45 minutes. Taste periodically and add seasonings as necessary.
Add butter to pot when beans are almost done. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
Tips for Cooking Green Beans
If using fresh beans, snap off the ends of the beans and then snap the beans into about 2-inch pieces.
Wash fresh beans thoroughly.
If using frozen beans, there is no need to thaw before cooking. Just sauté the frozen beans right in the bacon grease as directed.
You can add small potatoes to the pot and cook along with the green beans.
Storing Southern Green Beans
Green beans should be kept in the refrigerator before and after cooking.
Cooked green beans will keep for several days in the refrigerator so this is a great make-ahead dish.
How to Freeze Green Beans
To freeze green beans, allow the beans to cool and then place in a freezer-safe container along with all the liquid and the bacon.
Place container in the freezer and keep for up to 6 months.