Southern Style Green Beans

May 2, 2024

These Southern Style Green Beans are sure to hit the spot if you are looking for traditional a traditional soul food recipe! This is my favorite way to cook green beans when I have extra time or when I am cooking up a big meal for Sunday dinner! 

 

 

southern style green beans

 

Ingredients 

  • Powdered chicken bouillon 
  • Fresh/frozen green beans 
  • Pork fatback 
  • Onion powder 
  • Garlic powder 
  • Black pepper 
  • Chopped cooked bacon 

 

How To Make Southern Style Green Beans 

First you will start by bringing a large pot of water to boil over medium-high heat. Then season the water with chicken bouillon powder. If you do not have any chicken bouillon, then you may substitute the water for chicken broth.  Then add the pork fatback strips into the pot. If you wish to reduce the sodium, then I suggest rinsing the excess salt from the fatback prior to adding it to pot.  

 Next add fresh or frozen green beans to pot and season them with garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. Then add the chopped bacon and stir to combine. If you are using fresh green beans, then you will need to snap the ends off and cut them into pieces prior to cooking. 

Cover the pot and allow it to come to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce to medium-low heat and stir every 10-15 minutes. Allow to cook for 45 minutes- 1 1/2 hours until they are tender. Cooking time will vary based on if you used fresh or frozen green beans, but just make sure that you start checking them frequently once they hit the 45-minute mark of cooking time because you do not want them to overcook and turn mushy. 

 Once they are finished cooking, remove the fat back pieces and allow the green beans to slightly cool prior to serving. 

 

FAQ 

 

I can’t find any pork fatback. What can I substitute with? 

  • For the best flavor, if you can’t find fatback you may use smoked ham hock as a substitute. If you cannot find ham hock either, then as a last resort you can double the amount of bacon pieces and the green beans will still render a great southern style flavor! 

 How do I store leftover green beans? 

  • You should store leftover green beans in an airtight container and eat within 3-4 days.  

Will this recipe work if I substitute the green beans for peas, collard greens or any other similar vegetable? 

  • Yes! That is one great thing about this recipe is, it is a great foundation. You can use it to prepare pretty much any side dish vegetable. I have tested it with black eyed peas, and they were crazy good using this approach! 

 

Have more questions? Drop a comment below!

 

If you like this recipe and are looking for more soul food side dishes then you should check out my Old School Southern Candied Yams

 

southern style green beans

Southern Style Green Beans

This Southern Style Green Bean recipe is a classic southern side dish and is made just like grandma used to make them! Seasoned to perfection and cooked down with pork fatback.
Adjust Servings5
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons powdered chicken bouillon
  • 3 cups fresh/frozen green beans
  • 3-4 sliced pork fatback
  • ½ tablespoon onion powder
  • ½ tablespoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup chopped cooked bacon

Instructions

  • Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil over medium-high heat. Season the water with chicken bouillon powder and add the pork fatback strips. If you wish to reduce the sodium, then rinse the excess salt from the fatback prior to adding to pot.
  • Add fresh or frozen green beans to pot and season with garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. Add the chopped bacon and stir to combine.
  • Cover and allow it to come to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce to medium-low heat and stir every 10-15 minutes. Allow to cook for 45 minutes- 1 1/2 hours until they are tender.
  • Once finished cooking, remove fatback pieces and allow to slightly cool prior to serving

Notes

For the best flavor I recommend using fresh beans.
If you are using fresh green beans make sure to snap the ends off and cut them into pieces.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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