Southern Style Green Beans
Slowly simmered green beans with bacon, herbs, and a touch of butter take this side dish to the next level. They can be made in advance and then reheated before serving. The perfect side dish for your holiday ham, roast turkey, or any Sunday dinner!
The simple, fresh ingredients, including fresh green beans, garlic, bacon, and savory seasonings, create a delicious side dish that perfectly complements any meal.
Ingredients
4 slices bacon thick-cut,
cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium onion chopped, about 1 cup
3 cloves garlic minced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
or more for extra heat
1½ lbs green beans fresh,
trimmed and halved
2½ cups chicken broth
plus extra, as needed
2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 sprigs thyme fresh
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoon butter unsalted
Instructions
Cook the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels. Spoon out enough of the rendered bacon grease to leave about 2 tablespoons.
Add the onions to the pot and sauté in the bacon grease until soft and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic
and red pepper flakes, sauté for another 30 seconds.
Add the green beans, broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, and then lower the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer the beans until they are very tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Use tongs to remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf from the pot. Stir in the butter and cooked bacon. Serve at once.
