Southern Green Beans

A bold, savory Southern side built on bacon, garlic, and depth — perfect alongside spicy pastas like Spaghetti Diablo. Finished with a kiss of butter and crispy bacon for the ultimate bite.

Yield: about 4-6 servings
Prep Time: about 10-15 minutes
Cook Time: about 30-40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into lardons

• 1 small yellow onion, chopped

• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)

• 1 tbsp bacon grease, reserved from frying bacon

• 1 tbsp minced garlic

• 1 tbsp Johnny’s French Dip Au Jus seasoning

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp butter

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook bacon lardons until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.

2. Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onion and sliced jalapeño to the bacon grease. Sauté over medium heat until the onion softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Add green beans & seasoning: Stir in the green beans, Johnny’s seasoning, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well to coat.

4. Simmer: Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender.

5. Finish & serve: Add the butter and stir to melt. Just before serving, mix in the reserved crispy bacon. Adjust seasoning to taste