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Cracker Barrel Green Bean

Helen T. Patterson
Cracker Barrel’s green beans are a Southern comfort food favorite, known for their rich, buttery flavor and perfectly tender texture.
This easy-to-make side dish is packed with simple, wholesome ingredients and a delicious combination of seasonings.
Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or serving guests during the holidays, these green beans will be a hit at the table!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Comfort Food, Southern
Servings 6 servings
Calories 140 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet (12-inch)
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 sharp knife
  • 1 spoon or spatula for stirring
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450g Fresh or Frozen Green Beans
  • 2 tbsp Butter plus 1-2 tbsp for finishing
  • 1/2 medium Yellow Onion chopped
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth for a vegetarian version
  • 1/4 cup Crumbled Bacon optional
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Green Beans:

  • If using fresh green beans, wash and trim the ends.
    For frozen beans, thaw them out and give them a quick rinse.
    If using canned green beans, simply drain and rinse them.

Sauté the Onion:

  • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
    Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.

Add Green Beans and Garlic:

  • Add the green beans to the skillet, stirring to coat them with the butter and onions.
    Sprinkle in garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.

Simmer with Broth:

  • Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
    Lower the heat and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    The beans should be tender but not mushy.

Finish with Butter:

  • Stir in an additional 1-2 tablespoons of butter for extra richness, and adjust seasoning if needed.
    Add the crumbled bacon (optional) and stir.

Serve:

  • Transfer the beans to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite main dish.

Notes

  • Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh green beans tend to have a firmer texture, while frozen beans are convenient and retain flavor well when cooked.
  • Bacon Option: Bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the green beans. You can either crisp up your own bacon or buy pre-cooked bacon for a quicker option.
  • Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and vegetable broth to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
  • Reheating: This dish reheats well! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
  • Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with adding other ingredients such as crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat or parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
Keyword Cracker Barrel Green Bean