If you’ve been on a search for an easy vegetable side dish recipe that can be all things to just about all people, this one might be it. It’s one that will end up back on plates in the “seconds’ round. Ultimately, your guests will leave questioning, “what in the world did she put in those beans”?!
These bacon and brown sugar green beans are the most requested recipe that I’m asked for. No more sending out pictures of my grease-stained, handwritten scribbles over texts. It’s time to make an official recipe post for this amazing side dish!
I’ve given many different proportions for this ranging anywhere from side-dish-size to football-team-size. It has appeared on Thanksgiving Day, Fourth of July, graduation parties and even in the hospitality line for hungry cowboys at the rodeo.
Adults and kids alike go crazy over this easy vegetable side dish recipe –I can vouch that they are also toddler approved! One thing that is so appealing about this recipe is the simple preparation. The key to getting all that delicious flavor unlocked in every bite is warming them up low and slow. If you dump this recipe into the slow cooker for a few hours, you’ll really make it a “hands-off” dish that’s just plain easy!
These green beans have a perfect balance of sweet and savory taste. The salty tang from the soy sauce complements the candied texture of the brown-sugar-smothered and smoky bacon. Add in the garlic and melted butter and it gives a final touch of flavor that adds richness to a variety of menu styles. My Mennonite side of the family enjoys serving these beans with ham, potatoes, and more homestyle type foods. Typically, the ones that appear at Thanksgiving. The Southern side of my family makes this easy vegetable side dish recipe for more barbeque style foods served at parties and cookouts.
Although I made a few adaptations to it, I can’t take the credit for the original version of this recipe. My Mennonite sister-in-law Charity served these at a Sunday lunch several years ago. Charity is an amazing mother of eight and an even more amazing cook. She loves to host company and feed others. Not only that, she makes the most perfect pie crust you could ever sink your teeth into! After one bite, I knew I needed to know how to make them! She shared this recipe with me several years ago and it has been in my repertoire ever since.
Now that you know how versatile this easy vegetable side dish is you need to let us know when you try it! Use our hashtag: #southernmeetsmennoniterecipes and we’ll feature you in our stories!
Enjoy Y’all!
Easy Vegetable Side Dish: Bacon & Brown Sugar Green Beans
Ingredients
- 8 14.5 oz Canned Green Beans, French Style Drained
- 1/2 lb bacon Fried & Crumbled
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Place drained green beans and crumbled bacon in slow cooker.
- In a small mixing bowl, add remaining ingredients. Mix with a small whisk until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Pour sauce mixture over green beans and bacon, fold ingredients to evenly distribute sauce.
- Cook on low for 3 1/2 - 4 hours or until beans are heated thoroughly. Serve hot and enjoy!
