Southern-Style Green Beans with Potatoes: Classic Comfort Side

Get ready to bring some soul to your table with this Southern green beans and potatoes recipe. Just like a smooth melody, these tender green beans and hearty potatoes simmer together in perfect harmony, with smoky flavors that hit all the right notes.

It's the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and love, reminding you of Sunday dinners and family gatherings. Each bite is a soulful experience, packed with down-home flavor that'll have you swaying with satisfaction.

So, let’s turn up the heat and cook with heart—this one’s a kitchen classic that'll keep you coming back for more.

Related Green Beans Posts:

• Smothered Green Beans
• Instant Pot Stewed Green Beans
• Sheet Pan Green Beans

I kept this recipe mostly traditional soul food style - rendered bacon fat with red potatoes and seasonings. I elevated this version a tad bit by adding some Trini green seasoning as a flavor base. It adds flavor complexity and brightens the dish some infusing them with bold, herbaceous flavors and a fresh, vibrant twist.

Green seasoning typically includes a mix of fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and thyme, along with green onions, garlic, and peppers. This seasoning brings an aromatic, zesty kick to the beans, elevating the traditional Southern flavors with Caribbean flair.

The citrusy and herbal notes from the green seasoning add brightness and depth, complementing the smoky, savory taste often found in Southern green beans, especially if they're cooked with ham or bacon. It's a lively, flavorful upgrade!

Beats and Eats (music to pair with green beans)

Peabo Bryson's "Reaching for the Sky" pairs so well with Southern green beans and potatoes because both offer a soulful, feel-good experience that lifts the spirit. The smooth, uplifting melody of the song mirrors the comforting, down-home flavors of the dish.

Just like Bryson's powerful vocals soar, the combination of tender green beans, hearty potatoes, and smoky bacon create a warm, satisfying harmony on the plate.

It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel nostalgic, much like the timeless quality of the song, offering a sense of comfort and a reminder of home-cooked love.

Ingredients Needed To Make This Dish

• Fresh Green Beans
• New Potatoes
• Bacon
• Salt Pork
• Yellow Onions
• Fresh Garlic Cloves
• Chicken Broth
• Green Seasoning (optional)
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Smoked Paprika

Meal Prep

Trim the green beans before cooking. Use kitchen scissors to clip the ends off or simply cut them off with a sharp knife. After trimming them, definitely wash the green beans in your sink.

If using red or new potatoes feel free to leave the skin on. If using Yukon Gold potatoes, you can also leave the skin on or peel them based on your preference. The key with potatoes is to cut them as uniform as possible. This insures they will cook at the same rate.

How To Make Southern Green Beans

Fry bacon and salt pork in large sauce pan at medium heat rendering the fat. Move to the side and add the onions to the bacon grease sauteing about 2 minutes.

Add the minced garlic plus a ⅓ of the seasoning and cook for another minute. Feel free to add some additional olive oil or canola if needed.

Add the broth plus the green seasoning if using. Mix well.

Add the trimmed green beans, plus another ⅓ of the seasoning, cover and boil for 15 minutes.

Add the potatoes and last of the seasoning. Cook until the potatoes are fork tender. Serve green beans finished off with some freshly ground black pepper.

What To Serve With String Beans

Southern green beans and potatoes pair well with a variety of classic soul food dishes to create a comforting, hearty meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fried chicken: Crispy, golden fried chicken adds a savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender green beans and potatoes.
2. Cornbread: A slightly sweet, crumbly cornbread is perfect for soaking up any juices from the dish.
3. Pork chops: Whether grilled, baked, or fried, pork chops add a satisfying, juicy bite to the meal.
4. Meatloaf: A savory, rich meatloaf pairs perfectly with the simplicity of green beans and potatoes.
5. Roast beef: Tender, slow-cooked roast beef offers a hearty, comforting pairing with these vegetables.

Cooking Considerations and Tips

Choose the Right Bacon

• Opt for thick-cut bacon for more flavor and texture. The smokiness of bacon adds depth to the dish, so a good-quality bacon will enhance the overall taste.
• Cook the bacon first until crispy, then remove it and leave the drippings in the pan to flavor the beans and potatoes.

Don't Overcook the Green Beans

• Southern-style green beans are usually cooked until tender, but you want to avoid making them too mushy. Simmer them until they are tender but still hold their shape. Fresh green beans work best, but frozen green beans can be a convenient substitute as well.

Pre-cut the Potatoes

• Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
• Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape well in this dish, offering a creamy texture without falling apart.

Seasoning and Flavor Balance

• Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic for extra flavor. You can also add onions to the bacon drippings for a sweet, savory base.
• For a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
• If you're looking for more depth, a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon at the end can brighten up the flavors and balance the richness of the bacon and potatoes.

Low and Slow for Maximum Flavor

• Let the green beans and potatoes cook slowly to absorb all the flavors from the bacon drippings. Cooking the dish low and slow allows the ingredients to meld, giving it that comforting Southern flavor.

Best Potatoes To Use

The best potatoes for Southern green beans are those that hold their shape and add texture without falling apart. Here are some top choices:

1. Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes have a creamy texture and a slightly buttery flavor. They hold up well in simmered dishes like Southern green beans and potatoes, offering a smooth bite without turning mushy.
2. Red Potatoes: Red potatoes are waxy and firm, which helps them keep their shape when cooked. Their skins are thin, so you can leave them on for extra color and texture, making them perfect for this dish.
3. New Potatoes: These are my preferred. Young, small potatoes like new potatoes are great for adding a more delicate texture. They are tender but firm enough to withstand slow cooking, blending nicely with the green beans.

Avoid using starchy Russet potatoes, which tend to break down and become too soft when simmered for long periods. Baby potatoes could work also.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover green beans and potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the dish. If you’re looking to freeze the dish, it’s best to do so before adding the bacon and butter. Simply thaw and reheat when ready.

Variations and Substitutions

There are many ways to vary this recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

• Use fresh green beans instead of frozen for a crisper texture.
• Add diced onion or minced garlic to the dish for extra flavor.
• Add some heat with red pepper flakes
• Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread or over rice for a filling meal.

Make This Recipe

If you make these Soul food green beans please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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