My son has been asking me to make these green beans with bacon for dinner and since I know he is not a green bean fan, I consider that a strong endorsement. These tender green beans boast bits of crispy bacon and a sticky sweet and savory glaze that takes them to the next level.

Some people call these "crack green beans" because of their irresistible flavor combo. I like to make mine with frozen green beans, but you can also use this recipe to upgrade canned green beans or even use fresh green beans if you prefer. This is a delicious side dish that only takes about 30 minutes to make. It's easy enough for a family dinner any day of the week and tasty enough for your next potluck or holiday meal.

A serving platter of green beans with pieces of bacon and onions covered in a sweet and savory sauce.

If you're looking for more perfect side dish recipes for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, you should also try my Southern green beans and potatoes, this amazing sweet potato casserole with pecan topping, or these gluten free (and dairy free) scalloped potatoes.

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Ingredient Notes
How to Make Southern Style Green Beans with Bacon
Storage
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Recipe

Ingredient Notes

This yummy side dish recipe uses just a handful of simple ingredients that can be found in any grocery store. It is both gluten free and dairy free as written, but I have included swaps below if you don't have any dietary restrictions.

Ingredients for crack green beans on a marble counter.

Bacon - I use regular bacon that has been cut into small pieces. You could also swap it for thick cut bacon or even substitute turkey bacon, if you prefer. If you're following a gluten free diet, make sure to buy bacon that is marked gluten free, since some brands contain hidden gluten.
Green Beans - I like to use whole frozen green beans, but you can also swap them for canned green beans that have been drained. The cooking time will be reduced for canned beans and it's a great way to upgrade canned food. You can also made this dish with fresh beans, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as well as add about 1 cup of chicken broth or water to cook the green beans.
Gluten Free Soy Sauce (Tamari) - If you're following a gluten free diet, it's important to choose gluten free soy sauce since regular soy sauce usually contains gluten. You can use Tamari or Coconut Aminos here. If you're not gluten free, use regular soy sauce.
Vegan Butter - I used Country Crock plant butter here, but any stick style vegan butter will work fine. If you're not dairy free, use unsalted butter in the same measure.

See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.

How to Make Southern Style Green Beans with Bacon

This quick and easy side dish is made all in one pan for easy cleanup. Cooking the vegetables in the rendered bacon fat adds the best flavor to these sauteed green beans. You will need a large skillet or saucepan with a lid.

Bacon pieces cooking in a non stick saucepan.

STEP 1: Add the cut bacon pieces to a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Fry for about 5 minutes, until it is beginning to turn golden around the edges.

Diced onion added to the pan with the cooking bacon.

STEP 2: Add the onion to the bacon pieces and continue cooking until the bacon is crispy, about 5-7 more minutes.

Minced garlic being added to the bacon and onions.

STEP 3: Add the minced garlic to the pan of cooked bacon and onions and cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant.

Green beans, brown sugar, soy sauce, red pepper flakes and butter added into the saucepan.

STEP 4: Finally, add the green beans, brown sugar, soy sauce, red pepper flakes and butter to the pan with the bacon and onions. Stir everything together.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the green beans reach your desired level of tenderness. You can cook uncovered for the last few minutes to thicken the sauce if you like.

Green beans with bacon and onion cooking in a large saucepan.

Storage

Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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If you try this recipe, please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.

Recipe

Tiffany

Tiffany is the recipe developer, stylist and food photographer behind Well Fed Baker. As a lifelong baker who had to go gluten free and dairy free in 2016, Tiffany strives to share allergen friendly recipes that never feel like they are free from anything.