Go Back
–+ servings
Bacon Fat Green Beans pinterest

Bacon Fat Green Beans

This humble Southern side dish transforms ordinary green beans into an extraordinary comfort food using the rich flavor of bacon fat. With minimal effort, these beans deliver that unmistakable smoky richness that makes vegetables irresistible even to the pickiest eaters.
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: Bacon Fat Green Beans, Southern Green Beans, Bacon Green Beans, Side Dish
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 145kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • Paper towels

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fresh green beans trimmed and snapped into 1-2 inch pieces
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons reserved bacon fat from cooking the bacon
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  • Wash your green beans thoroughly under cold water. Trim the ends and snap them into 1-2 inch pieces, keeping the size consistent for even cooking.
  • In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy (approximately 8-10 minutes). Transfer the crispy bacon to paper towels, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and add the diced onion to the bacon fat. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the trimmed green beans to the pot, stirring to coat in the bacon fat. Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. The liquid should come about 1/3 of the way up the beans.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 30-45 minutes, depending on how tender you prefer your beans. Southern-style traditionally means tender but not mushy.
  • Once the beans have reached your desired tenderness, stir in the apple cider vinegar. Crumble the reserved bacon and add it to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving hot.

Notes

For a healthier version, use turkey bacon and add 1 tablespoon olive oil (reduces saturated fat by approximately 60%).
The beans often taste better the second day as flavors continue to meld.
Store unused bacon fat separately in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to one month for future cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 385mg | Potassium: 320mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Iron: 6mg
Tried this recipe?FOLLOW ME @TastyDailyMeals and PIN this recipe