Southern Green Beans with Bacon, Potatoes, and Balsamic Vinegar Recipe
Classic Southern Green Beans feature fresh green beans and new potatoes cooked with crispy bacon, butter, and aromatic onions, simmered to tender perfection and finished with a splash of white balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. This comforting side dish is a staple in Southern cuisine, perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
Vegetables
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and snapped
- 8 small new potatoes, diced
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients listed to have everything ready before starting the cooking process, ensuring a smooth and efficient preparation.
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon, stirring occasionally until it is evenly browned and crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the bacon pieces on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the cooked bacon, fresh green beans, diced new potatoes, minced garlic, and chicken broth to the skillet with the onions, mixing everything together well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the skillet with a lid, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently until the green beans are tender and potatoes are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with white balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir lightly and serve warm as a flavorful Southern side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor; frozen beans can result in a softer dish.
- Adjust the amount of bacon or butter based on your preferred richness and dietary needs.
- If chicken broth is not available, vegetable broth or water can be substituted, but it may slightly alter the flavor.
- White balsamic vinegar adds a mild tanginess without overpowering; apple cider vinegar can be used as an alternative.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing step.
