Brown Sugar and Bacon Green Beans

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Hey y’all! Today, we’re diving into a delightful Southern side dish that’s perfect for any occasion: Brown Sugar and Bacon Green Beans. This dish combines the sweetness of brown sugar, the savory crunch of bacon, and the freshness of green beans to create a mouthwatering medley of flavors. It’s simple to make and guaranteed to be a hit at your next family dinner or gathering. Let’s get cookin’!

Ingredients:

2 pounds fresh green beans; trimmed and washed

2-3 thick cut bacon slices; chopped

1/2 onion; thinly sliced

1-2 tsp light brown sugar; adjust to taste

2 tbsp cold butter

1/3 cup chicken stock

Instructions:

Prepare the Green Beans

Trim and Wash: Start by washing and trimming your green beans. Remove the ends and any strings for a tender, crisp bite.

2. Blanch the Beans: For a brighter color and quicker cook time, blanch the green beans in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Bacon

3. Fry the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your chopped thick cut bacon until it’s crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Drain and Reserve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the bacon drippings in the skillet for extra flavor.

Sauté the Onions

5. Caramelize the Onions: Add the thinly sliced onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Sauté over medium heat until the onions become soft and caramelized, approximately 5 minutes.

Cook the Green Beans

6. Combine Ingredients: Add the green beans to the skillet with the onions. Toss to coat the beans in the bacon drippings.

7. Simmer with Chicken Stock: Pour in the chicken stock, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until the beans are tender but still slightly crisp.

Add the Sweet and Savory Touch

8. Sweeten: Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of light brown sugar over the green beans. Stir to ensure the sugar dissolves and coats the beans evenly.

9. Butter it Up: Add 2 tablespoons of cold butter, stirring until it melts and incorporates into the sauce, creating a rich, glossy finish.

Finish and Serve

10. Mix in the Bacon: Return the crispy bacon pieces to the skillet, mixing them with the green beans.

11. Serve Hot: Give everything a final toss to distribute the flavors evenly. Serve your Brown Sugar and Bacon Green Beans hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar and Bacon Green Beans:

– Use Fresh Green Beans: Fresh, crisp green beans make a big difference in texture and flavor.

– Adjust Sweetness: Customize the sweetness to your liking by adjusting the amount of brown sugar.

– Perfect Timing: Keep an eye on your green beans to ensure they maintain a slight crunch for the best texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

– Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand.

– Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes.

– Flavorful: The combination of sweet brown sugar, savory bacon, and fresh green beans is irresistible.

– Versatile Side Dish: Ideal for holidays, family dinners, or any meal that needs a delicious side.

These Brown Sugar and Bacon Green Beans are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking, y’all!

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By following this recipe, you’ll create a delicious side dish that’s bursting with flavor. The key to this dish is balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar with the savory bacon, creating a perfect harmony that will have everyone asking for more. Enjoy!