There are plenty of ways to cook green beans, but southern green beans follow a different rulebook. This southern-style green beans recipe is made the way I learned growing up, simmered low and slow for a long time with smoked meat and seasoned broth until the beans turn tender and deeply flavorful. This isn’t a quick side dish; it’s the kind of pot that sits on the stove while the rest of Sunday supper comes together.
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Why Southern Green Beans Are Different
Unlike quick sautéed fresh green beans that may have a crunch, southern style green beans are cooked using a slow simmer method that builds flavor over time. Whether you’re using ham hocks, smoked turkey legs, salt pork, or pork neckbones, the goal is the same: create a deeply seasoned broth that becomes the foundation of the final dish. This cooking process is what turns simple string beans or snap beans into a perfect side dish worthy of Sunday gatherings, special occasions, or just a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things classic, cozy, and accessible, all of the ingredients below can be found at your local grocery store.
- 32 oz frozen French cut green beans – Frozen beans soften perfectly during a long simmer and absorb smoky broth better than fresh green beans.
- 2 smoked pork neckbones – (ham hocks, turkey legs, or salt pork also work) Adds rich, smoky flavor that defines classic southern-style green beans.
- Water – Forms the base of the seasoned broth as it simmers with smoked meat. You will need to add just enough water to slightly cover the smoked meat. I used around 6 cups.
- 1 tsp onion powder – Provides subtle, evenly distributed onion flavor throughout the broth.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds savory depth without burning during long cooking.
- 1 tsp Better Than Chicken Bouillon – Boosts umami and mimics rich chicken broth flavor.
- 3 tbsp butter – Adds richness and smooths out smoky, salty flavors.
- 1 tsp white distilled vinegar – Brightens the dish and balances the richness of the broth.
- ½ yellow onion, chopped onion – Slowly softens, adding natural sweetness and aroma.
- 1 tbsp sea salt(or kosher salt to taste) – Seasons the beans and broth as flavors develop.
- ½ tsp black pepper – Adds gentle warmth and balance.
- 2-3 dashes hickory smoke – Enhances smoky flavor, especially when using lighter meats.
How to Make Southern Green Beans
These southern green beans come together in just 4 easy steps:
STEP 1: Simmer the Smoked Meat – In a large stock pot or dutch oven, add the smoked pork neckbones, water (just enough to barely cover the meat), onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, cover with a lid slightly cracked, then reduce heat to low once water reaches a simmer. Simmer for 1 hour to create a deeply smoky, seasoned broth.
STEP 2: Add Green Beans & Aromatics – Remove the lid and add the frozen green beans, chopped onion, butter, Better Than Bouillon, white distilled vinegar, black pepper, and hickory smoke. Stir gently to combine, then cover again, leaving room for steam to escape.
STEP 3: Simmer Low & Slow – Simmer beans and aromatics on low heat for 30 minutes, then stir once and simmer for another 30 minutes. Be sure the beans never come to a boil, southern-style green beans cook best low and slow so they can fully absorb the broth.
STEP 4: Taste & Finish – Remove the lid, taste the beans, and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy! You can also pull apart and mix in smoked meat if desired.
Troubleshooting Southern Green Beans
- Green beans taste too smoky or salty. If the flavor is too strong, stir in a bit of water or unsalted broth and let the beans simmer for a few more minutes. A small pat of butter or an extra splash of vinegar can also help balance the flavors.
- Green beans taste bland. Southern green beans need time to absorb flavor. If they taste bland, they likely didn’t simmer long enough or the broth wasn’t seasoned well at the start. Add a pinch of salt or a small amount of chicken bouillon, then continue simmering on low heat so the beans can absorb the seasoning.
- The beans are too firm. If the beans are still firm, they simply need more time. Keep the heat low and continue simmering, checking every 15 minutes until they reach a soft non-crunch tender texture.
- My green beans are falling apart. This usually happens when the heat is too high or the beans were cooked in boiling liquid. Reduce the heat to low and allow them to simmer gently. Southern green beans should never be cooked at a rolling boil.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. If you wish to freeze these green beans, you will need to allow the green beans to cool completely, then transfer them along with some of the broth to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
These southern-style green beans pair beautifully with many other classic dishes such as:
- Southern-Style Fried Fish
- Cornbread Muffins
- Southern-Style Turkey Wings
- White Rice
- Italian Dressing Chicken
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans, but they will need additional cooking time to become tender. Trim and snap the beans before adding them, and plan to simmer slightly longer so they fully absorb the broth. Fresh is always best!
What kind of smoked meat works best for southern green beans?
Smoked pork neckbones are traditional, but ham hocks, smoked turkey legs, or salt pork all work well. Each option adds a slightly different level of smokiness and richness to the broth.
Should southern green beans be crunchy?
No. southern-style green beans are not meant to be crunchy or crispy. They should be soft, tender, and infused with the flavor of the broth and smoked meat.
Can I freeze southern green beans?
Yes. Allow the green beans to cool completely, then transfer them along with some of the broth to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months for the best flavor and texture.
Southern Green Beans Recipe
Southern Green Beans
Equipment
Ingredients
- 32 oz Frozen French cut green beans
- 2 Smoked Pork Neckbones, ham hocks, turkey legs, or salt pork also work
- 4-6 cups Water, use enough water to barely cover smoked meat
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Better Than Chicken Bouillon
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp White Distilled Vinegar
- ½ Yellow Onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp Sea Salt
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 2-3 dash Hickory Smoke
Instructions
- In a large stock pot or dutch oven, add the smoked pork neckbones, water (just enough to barely cover the meat), onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, cover with a lid slightly cracked, then reduce heat to low once water reaches a simmer. Simmer for 1 hour to create a deeply smoky, seasoned broth.
- Remove the lid and add the frozen green beans, chopped onion, butter, Better Than Bouillon, white distilled vinegar, black pepper, and hickory smoke. Stir gently to combine, then cover again, leaving room for steam to escape.
- Simmer beans and aromatics on low heat for 30 minutes, then stir once and simmer for another 30 minutes. Be sure the beans never come to a boil, southern-style green beans cook best low and slow so they can fully absorb the broth.
- Remove the lid, taste the beans, and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy! You can also pull apart and mix in smoked meat if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Craving More?
If you make these southern-style green beans, I’d love to see how they turn out! Tag me on Instagram @elicitfolio or leave a comment on Pinterest and follow along for more cozy, Southern-inspired recipes. And if there’s a Southern dish you’re craving next, let me know in the comments below!
That’s how you do it! I live in the South, and these are spot on. Really, REALLY good.
Fantastic! I stumbled over this recipe curious what makes green beans southern. I loved the use of the bouillon. That’s something my family never used before. Really added great depth to the beans
That’s a good recipe? Though what is Better than Chicken Buillion?
Hi Blaze! It’s the brand for chicken bullion. Here’s the link to the one I used in the recipe: https://amzn.to/3ZyCFcQ
I love the deliciousness and simplicity of your recipe. Southern cooking is so heartwarming and satisfying. I’ll add this recipe to the list.
These recipes sound so comforting and full of flavor. Southern-style dishes always have that extra warmth and heart that make them so enjoyable to cook and eat.
Delicious. I’d never given green beans get so much attention. Tried this and added it to my monthly meal menu. An absolute hit with the family.
This looks so good! Would make a great side dish.
Yum yum! This looks so healthy sbd what a greatbuse of green beans! Will try this! Thank you!
Yum yum! This looks so healthy sbd what a greatbuse of green beans! Will try this! Thank you!