Looking for an easy, comforting side dish packed with homemade flavor? These Potatoes & Green Beans with Bacon combine tender baby potatoes, fresh green beans, crispy bacon, garlic, onion, and savory herbs in a rich chicken broth. It’s a simple Southern-style dish that makes the perfect addition to any family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Place the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
3. Add the Vegetables and Seasonings
Add the halved baby potatoes and trimmed green beans. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.
4. Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the green beans are cooked to your preferred texture.
5. Finish the Dish
Stir in the butter and return the crispy bacon to the pot. Simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these potatoes and green beans warm as a hearty Southern-style side dish alongside roasted chicken, grilled meats, or your favorite main course. They’re also delicious on their own with a slice of crusty bread for a simple and comforting meal.
Recipe Tips
- Use small baby potatoes so they cook evenly and quickly.
- For extra flavor, keep some of the crispy bacon aside and sprinkle it over the dish just before serving.
- If you prefer firmer green beans, add them a few minutes after the potatoes.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth if available.
Prep & Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Recipe Summary
Tender potatoes and fresh green beans simmered with crispy bacon, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and smoky herbs create a warm, flavorful side dish that’s incredibly easy to make. This comforting recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, and Southern-inspired meals.