Green beans cooked with lots of bacon and onion and coated in a sweet, salty, and sour sauce make one of the best side dishes ever. The kind of side dish where you don’t even care if there is a main dish.
My favorite way to cook green beans is this Southern-Style Green Bean recipe, but this is a close second. It’s kind of like a German potato salad only with green beans.
Type of Green Beans to Use
I like to use fresh green beans but you could certainly use canned or frozen. You can use either regular green beans or the thinner French-style.
The sweet and sour flavor primarily comes from sugar and apple cider vinegar. Bacon adds even more saltiness. Onions are cooked in the bacon grease to add even more bacon flavor.
Sweet and Sour Green Beans are so easy to make with ingredients you most likely already have on hand.
Even if you’re not typically a fan of green beans, this recipe is a must try. I don’t think there will be any leftovers.
Make Them Spicy
These green beans have lots of sweet and sour flavor. If you want to add some spice, add up to a half teaspoon of caynne pepper.
How To Store
Leftovers will keep for 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or in a microwave.
More Ways To Cook Green Beans
- Candied Green Beans
- Green Beans with Bacon Breadcrumbs
- Smothered Cajun Green Beans
- Maple-Glazed Green Beans
- Crispy Fried Green Beans
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Watch the short video below to see how easy this recipe is to make.
Sweet and Sour Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds fresh green beans,, ends trimmed
- 5 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 medium sweet onion,, chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place green beans in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil. Simmer 12 to 15 minutes. Drain.
- Chop bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook until crisp in a large nonstick pan or cast iron skillet. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add onion to bacon drippings and cook until softened.
- Add remaining ingredients to pan and stir to mix.
- Add green beans to pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Continue to cook 1-2 minutes, stirring often so that the green beans pick up as much flavor as possible.
- Sprinkle bacon on top and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Originally posted June 5, 2016
Made this for Christmas dinner yesterday. My family loved them . I didn’t change anything. Followed the recipe . Wias a part of my Christmas along with Beef Tenderlion / mushrooms. Served with a horseradish sauce and Bearnaise sauce. Baked mashed potatoes.
Awesome !!
Can you makes these the night before and reheat or warm them up in a crock-pot?
Yes, that should work fine.
Bacon, onions, and green beans…3 of my favorite foods! This looks so fantastic. I’m pinning this one for sure.
Hope you get to try it soon Karyl!
Just finished making this. Found the recipe on foodgawker. It was great. I bought a huge bundle of green beans for 1$. This makes a great meal or side dish. Will def make it again.
thanks
So glad you enjoyed it Shanna and wow! What a great price on green beans!
Wow! This is making my mouth water just thinking about making this. I love the bacon and bean combination but never thought of a sweet and sour flavour. Yum!
I think my husband would actually eat his veggies, if I put these on the dinner table… 😉
These are some of the best green beans I’ve ever seen, Christin! I could make a meal out of these!
Green beans are a hugggge favorite at our house. I normally just roast with salt / pepper but man, these would get devoured in no time! Such a fun way to switch it up!
Okay, I am not normally a fan of green beans but I think I NEED to try these! I bet the family will love them!
What a fun twist on green beans, Christin! The sweet and sour sauce sounds like it pairs perfectly with the bacon and greens. Looks like such a delicious summer side dish!