Southern Green Beans Recipe
Some recipes have a way of transporting you to a place you’ve never been—or maybe to a memory you cherish. For me, Southern green beans are that dish. Every bite of this savory, smoky, and buttery side dish reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandma’s table, where food wasn’t just eaten; it was shared, savored, and celebrated. There’s something magical about how just a few humble ingredients come together to create such deep, comforting flavors. If you’re looking for a side dish that steals the spotlight (without even trying), you’re in the right place.
Let me tell you, the first time I made these green beans, I was floored by how much flavor they packed in. The secret? Bacon. Well, bacon and time. This recipe simmers the beans low and slow, giving them plenty of time to soak up the smoky, garlicky goodness in the broth. Trust me, it’s worth every second.
A little story about these green beans
Growing up, I didn’t exactly get along with green beans. The ones I knew came from a can—mushy, overly salty, and not particularly inspiring. It wasn’t until a trip to the South that I discovered what green beans could really be. I was visiting a friend’s family, and her mom served these incredible beans alongside fried chicken and cornbread. One bite, and I was hooked. The beans were tender but not limp, smoky but not overwhelming, and just the right amount of buttery. I begged her for the recipe (she chuckled, probably because it wasn’t much of a “recipe” to her), and now, years later, it’s become a staple in my own kitchen.
Where these green beans come from
Southern green beans are a beloved staple across the Southern United States. Unlike the crisp-tender green beans you might find in other cuisines, these beans are slow-cooked to perfection, allowing them to absorb every bit of flavor from the broth, bacon, and spices. This cooking method stems from a time when home cooks made the most of what they had—stretching ingredients and creating rich flavors from simple pantry staples. Over time, it’s evolved into a comfort food classic, with variations in seasoning that reflect the diversity of the region.
Let’s talk ingredients: what makes these beans shine
Every ingredient in this recipe has a job to do—and they all work together like a dream team.
- Bacon: The smoky, salty flavor of bacon is the backbone of this recipe. I love using thick-cut bacon for an extra punch, but any bacon works. If you’re out of bacon, smoked turkey or ham hocks are great substitutes that still bring that smoky depth.
- Onion: A sweet, savory base for the beans. Yellow onions work best, but a white onion will do in a pinch. Dice it finely so it melts into the dish as it cooks.
- Garlic: Just two cloves add a warm, aromatic layer of flavor. Fresh garlic is best, but if you’re like me and occasionally run out, garlic powder can save the day.
- Green beans: The star of the show! Fresh green beans are a must here—frozen or canned just won’t have the same texture. Look for beans that are firm and bright green. Trimming the ends is a bit tedious, but worth it for that perfect tender-yet-snappy texture.
- Chicken broth: This is where the beans get their rich, savory flavor. Homemade broth is incredible, but a good-quality store-bought version works just fine. If you’re vegetarian, swap it out for vegetable broth.
- Cajun seasoning: Totally optional but highly recommended. It adds a little heat and a lot of personality. You can use store-bought or make your own blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Butter: Stirred in at the end for a silky finish. You could use olive oil if you’re dairy-free, but butter really ties everything together.

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need
The great thing about this recipe is you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few kitchen staples.
- Large pot or Dutch oven: This is where all the magic happens. A Dutch oven is my favorite for its even heat distribution, but any large, heavy-bottomed pot will do.
- Slotted spoon: Essential for removing the bacon and onion mixture without losing the flavorful grease.
- Knife and cutting board: You’ll need these for chopping the onion and trimming the beans.
- Measuring cups: For the broth, although I usually eyeball it (shh, don’t tell).
Step-by-step: how to make Southern green beans
This recipe is simple but does require a little patience. Trust me, the results are so worth it.
- Cook the bacon: Start by heating your pot over medium heat and tossing in the diced bacon. Let it cook until it’s almost crispy, stirring occasionally. Don’t rush this step—you want that bacon to render out all its fat, which will be the flavor base for your beans.
- Add the onion and garlic: Once the bacon is nearly done, add the chopped onion. Stir it around and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and starting to caramelize. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Be careful here—garlic can burn quickly if you’re not watching. Remove the bacon and onion mixture with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
- Simmer the beans: Without cleaning the pot (all that bacon grease is gold!), add the trimmed green beans. Pour in enough chicken broth to just cover the beans, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning if you’re using it, and bring everything to a low boil. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for 1 to 1 ½ hours. Give it a stir every now and then. The beans should be super tender and infused with flavor.
- Finish it off: Once the beans are done, drain any excess broth and stir the bacon and onion mixture back in. Let it all heat through for a minute or two, then add the butter and stir until it’s melted. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot!

Variations to try
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some fun ways to mix it up:
- Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken. A dash of smoked paprika can mimic that smoky flavor.
- Spicy twist: Double up on the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Ham hock swap: Instead of bacon, simmer the beans with a smoked ham hock. The meat will fall off the bone and mix right in.
- Seasonal veggies: Toss in some diced tomatoes or potatoes for extra heartiness.
How to serve and impress
Southern green beans are a natural pairing for any comfort food meal. Serve them alongside fried chicken, baked ham, or roasted pork. For a truly Southern spread, add cornbread and a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish the beans with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or crispy bacon bits for a little extra flair.
Drink pairings
For a non-alcoholic option, sweet tea is a classic choice. If you’re leaning towards wine, a crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the smoky and buttery flavors. Beer lovers, a cold lager or amber ale is a fantastic match.
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to dry them out.
Scaling the recipe
This recipe is easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd. Just make sure your pot is big enough to hold all the beans and broth. If you’re scaling down, cut the ingredients in half but keep the cooking time the same to let the flavors develop.
Encouragement to try this recipe
If you’ve never had Southern green beans, you’re in for a treat. They’re smoky, buttery, and absolutely bursting with flavor. And the best part? They’re easy to make your own. So grab some fresh beans, a pack of bacon, and a little patience—you won’t regret it.

FAQs
1. Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh is best, but frozen will work in a pinch. Just thaw them first and reduce the cooking time slightly.
2. What’s the best way to trim green beans?
Line up a small handful, chop off the ends with a sharp knife, and you’re good to go.
3. Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! These beans taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
4. Is Cajun seasoning necessary?
Not at all. It’s optional but adds a nice kick. You can skip it or use your favorite spice blend.
5. What if I don’t have chicken broth?
Water works in a pinch, but add a bouillon cube or two for extra flavor.

Southern Green Beans Recipe
Discover the ultimate Southern green beans recipe, simmered with bacon, onions, and garlic for a smoky, buttery side dish!
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon diced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 lbs fresh green beans trimmed
- 2 1/2 – 3-1/2 cups chicken broth
- Optional 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning please see notes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Start by heating your pot over medium heat and tossing in the diced bacon. Let it cook until it’s almost crispy, stirring occasionally. Don’t rush this step—you want that bacon to render out all its fat, which will be the flavor base for your beans.
- Add the onion and garlic: Once the bacon is nearly done, add the chopped onion. Stir it around and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and starting to caramelize. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Be careful here—garlic can burn quickly if you’re not watching. Remove the bacon and onion mixture with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
- Simmer the beans: Without cleaning the pot (all that bacon grease is gold!), add the trimmed green beans. Pour in enough chicken broth to just cover the beans, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning if you’re using it, and bring everything to a low boil. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for 1 to 1 ½ hours. Give it a stir every now and then. The beans should be super tender and infused with flavor.
- Finish it off: Once the beans are done, drain any excess broth and stir the bacon and onion mixture back in. Let it all heat through for a minute or two, then add the butter and stir until it’s melted. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot!
Notes
How to serve and impress
Southern green beans are a natural pairing for any comfort food meal. Serve them alongside fried chicken, baked ham, or roasted pork. For a truly Southern spread, add cornbread and a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish the beans with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or crispy bacon bits for a little extra flair.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: dinner