Imagine a side dish so irresistible that it steals the spotlight from the main course - our Southern Style Green Beans with Bacon and Buttery Breadcrumbs is exactly that culinary masterpiece! Forget bland, boring vegetables; this recipe transforms humble green beans into a crispy, savory sensation that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. With the perfect balance of smoky bacon, buttery breadcrumbs, and perfectly cooked green beans, this dish is about to become your new favorite Southern-style comfort food.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the green beans by washing thoroughly and trimming off the stem ends. Cut into roughly 2-inch pieces if desired.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, rendering out the fat. This should take approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Add the green beans to the bacon drippings and sauté over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they become tender-crisp and slightly blistered, about 6-8 minutes.
- In a separate small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes foamy and starts to turn golden.
- Add the breadcrumbs to the melted butter and toast, stirring constantly, until they become golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Season the green beans with salt and pepper to taste, tossing to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Transfer the green beans to a serving dish and sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the top.
- Finish by generously topping the green beans with the buttery toasted breadcrumbs.
- Serve immediately while the beans are hot and the breadcrumbs are crisp.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Beans: Select bright green, firm beans without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Bacon Matters: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Don't Overcook: Aim for tender-crisp beans to maintain their vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Toast Breadcrumbs Carefully: Watch your breadcrumbs closely to prevent burning - they should be golden brown and crispy.
- Use the Bacon Fat: The rendered bacon fat adds incredible depth of flavor to the green beans.
- Season Gradually: Taste and adjust salt and pepper, as bacon can be quite salty.
- Serve Immediately: These green beans are best enjoyed hot, with crispy breadcrumbs and warm bacon bits.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
