Easy Crack Green Beans Recipe

Introduction

Easy Crack Green Beans are a savory and sweet side dish that’s irresistibly delicious. With tender green beans simmered in a flavorful mixture of bacon, brown sugar, and soy sauce, this recipe is perfect for holiday dinners or any special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and chopped (reserve the bacon grease)
• 1 cup white onion, diced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (or 4 cans, 14 ounces each, green beans)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pan, heat the reserved bacon grease and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 4 minutes until softened, stirring frequently.
2. Step 2: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Add the green beans, then reduce heat to low and simmer. Cook, uncovered, until the liquid is nearly evaporated and the beans are tender, about 2 hours.
3. Step 3: Add the cooked, chopped bacon to the green beans and continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes to combine the flavors.
4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and serve the green beans warm. Enjoy this sweet and savory side dish!

Tips & Variations

• For a quicker version, use canned green beans but reduce simmering time to 30-40 minutes to avoid mushiness.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• If you prefer a smoky flavor without bacon, smoked paprika can be a great addition.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level, especially if using canned beans.

Storage

Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. If the dish thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes. Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

This dish can be made a day ahead and reheated before serving. The flavors actually develop more after resting overnight in the refrigerator.

Easy Crack Green Beans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 145 reviews

This Easy Crack Green Beans recipe is a savory-sweet side dish that combines tender green beans with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a flavorful sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Slow simmered to perfection, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and holiday meals.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and chopped (reserve bacon grease)
• 1 cup white onion, diced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and halved (or 4 cans—14 ounces each—of green beans, drained)

Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatics: In a large pan, heat the reserved bacon grease along with the butter over medium heat. Add the diced white onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and fragrant.
2. Create the sauce: Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, and chicken broth into the pan with the cooked onions and garlic. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
3. Simmer the green beans: Add the green beans to the pan with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally, allowing the green beans to cook and the liquid to reduce until nearly gone, which should take about 2 hours for fresh green beans (less if using canned).
4. Add crispy bacon: Once the liquid has almost evaporated and the green beans are tender, stir in the chopped cooked bacon. Continue cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
5. Serve: Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Easy Crack Green Beans.

Notes

• Using fresh green beans will provide the best texture and flavor, but canned green beans are a quicker alternative.
• Be patient with the simmering process to allow the flavors to fully develop and the sauce to thicken.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as part of a holiday feast.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
• For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Keywords: green beans, bacon, brown sugar, soy sauce, easy side dish, southern recipe