Picture this: tender green beans slow-cooked with buttery potatoes and savory bacon, seasoned just right, and simmered in a rich broth. It’s the kind of dish that takes you back to grandma’s kitchen, where every bite feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or just craving some down-home comfort, this Southern-Style Green Beans and Potatoes recipe will steal the show.
Check out my Thanksgiving Recipes:
- Best-Ever Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- Honey Glazed Ham
- Gumbo Style Collard Greens
- Southern Candied Yams
- Southern Cornbread recipe
This dish is more than just a side—it’s a soul-satisfying experience. Southern-Style Green Beans and Potatoes are the perfect balance of fresh, smoky, and hearty flavors. The green beans bring that crisp, garden-fresh taste, while the potatoes soak up all the goodness of the bacon-infused broth. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone ask for seconds—and maybe even thirds. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with everything from fried chicken to holiday ham.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Southern masterpiece:
- 3 lbs. Fresh Green Beans – Washed, trimmed, and snapped into bite-sized pieces
- 8 – 12 slices Bacon – Thick-cut for maximum flavor
- 8 – 10 small Potatoes – Diced into chunks (red or Yukon Gold work best)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion – Finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Garlic – Minced
- 2 cups Chicken Broth – For a rich, savory base
- 2 tsp Sugar – To balance the flavors
- 1 tbsp Creole Seasoning (Creole Kick) – Adds a subtle kick
- 1 tsp Salt – Adjust to taste
- 1 tsp Black Pepper – Freshly cracked for depth
Step-by-Step Guide to Southern-Style Green Beans and Potatoes
1. Prep Your Ingredients
- Rinse and trim the green beans, snapping off the ends and breaking them into smaller pieces.
- Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized chunks.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Cook the Bacon
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and cook the bacon slices until crispy.
- Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pot.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon grease. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the Green Beans and Potatoes
- Toss in the green beans and potatoes. Stir them to coat in the onion-garlic mixture.
5. Season and Simmer
- Sprinkle in the Creole seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir everything together.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the green beans and potatoes are mostly submerged. Add a little water if needed.
6. Bring It All Together
- Crumble half of the cooked bacon and stir it into the pot. Save the rest for garnish.
- Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for 45 minutes to an hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Final Touches
- Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Transfer the dish to a serving bowl and sprinkle the remaining bacon on top.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Waxy varieties like red or Yukon Gold hold their shape better during cooking.
- Don’t Rush the Simmering: Low and slow is the way to go for tender green beans and flavorful potatoes.
- Layer the Flavor: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end for a subtle tang.
15 Delicious Variations
- Ham Hock Addition: Use ham hocks instead of bacon for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Smoked Turkey Neck: Swap bacon for smoked turkey necks for a hearty twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Carrots: Toss in chopped carrots for added sweetness and color.
- Bell Peppers: Add diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Mushrooms: Stir in sliced mushrooms during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Butter Boost: Stir in a tablespoon of butter for richness.
- Vegan Version: Use vegetable broth and smoked paprika instead of bacon.
- Cheesy Finish: Top with shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
- Herb Infusion: Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to the pot.
- Corn Kernels: Mix in fresh or frozen corn for a sweet crunch.
- Pork Belly Upgrade: Swap the bacon for diced pork belly for extra indulgence.
- Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for a stronger punch.
- Balsamic Drizzle: Finish with a splash of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
- Sweet Potatoes: Replace some or all of the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes.
What to Serve It With (15 Perfect Pairings)
- Fried chicken
- Smoked ribs
- BBQ pulled pork
- Southern cornbread
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Grilled pork chops
- Honey-glazed ham
- Macaroni and cheese
- Collard greens
- Cajun shrimp
- Meatloaf
- Roasted turkey
- Jambalaya
- Blackened catfish
- Creamy coleslaw
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
How Much Should I Make for Family Gatherings?
For a family gathering of 8-10 people, the recipe as written should be just right. If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, double the ingredients. Keep in mind that this dish is a favorite—extra servings are always a good idea!
How Far in Advance Can I Make It?
You can prepare Southern-Style Green Beans and Potatoes up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker before serving. The flavors actually deepen with time, making it even more delicious!
Southern-Style Green Beans and Potatoes
Tender green beans and hearty potatoes slow-cooked with savory seasonings for a true Southern comfort side. Perfect alongside any main dish for a flavorful, homestyle touch.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. Fresh Green Beans – Washed trimmed, and snapped into bite-sized pieces
- 8 – 12 slices Bacon – Thick-cut for maximum flavor
- 8 – 10 small Potatoes – Diced into chunks red or Yukon Gold work best
- 1 medium Yellow Onion – Finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Garlic – Minced
- 2 cups Chicken Broth – For a rich savory base
- 2 tsp Sugar – To balance the flavors optional
- 1 tbsp Creole Seasoning Creole Kick – Adds a subtle kick
- 1 tsp Salt – Adjust to taste
- 1 tsp Black Pepper – Freshly cracked for depth
Instructions
- Rinse and trim the green beans, snapping off the ends and breaking them into smaller pieces. Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and cook the bacon slices until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon grease. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Toss in the green beans and potatoes. Stir them to coat in the onion-garlic mixture.
- Sprinkle in the Creole seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir everything together. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the green beans and potatoes are mostly submerged. Add a little water if needed.
- Crumble half of the cooked bacon and stir it into the pot. Save the rest for garnish. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for 45 minutes to an hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. Transfer the dish to a serving bowl and sprinkle the remaining bacon on top.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
