If you’re not a fan of green beans, then maybe this recipe will convince you. This green beans with bacon and brown sugar dish is savory with a touch of sweetness. Follow this green beans recipe to make the most delicious side dish to add to that Sunday or holiday meal.
Green Beans have always been my go-to side dish in our house. But, when you add bacon, brown sugar, and soy sauce to these classic and fresh side dish you have an amazing and flavorful dish that our entire family is going to love.

Recipe For Crack Green Beans
Sometimes this recipe is called Crack Green Beans because they are so addictive and once you try this recipe you will start craving it over and over again. If you’ve never tried Crack Green Beans you will want to try this recipe asap.
I have a friend that lives in the southern states and she shared this recipe with me, and I am so glad that she did. Made with bacon, brown sugar, onion, garlic, soy sauce, and simmered for a few hours in broth. They will make everyone walking in the house hungry and ready for dinner. They are so addictive that you will not want green beans any other way!
Ingredients
This savory and sweet green bean side dish only needs eight ingredients. And, you most likely already have these ingredients on hand.
- green beans
- bacon
- brown sugar
- onion
- garlic
- butter
- soy sauce
- chicken broth
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar
Ready to make these green beans with soy sauce and brown sugar? If so follow these three easy steps below and you will have a delicious family-friendly side dish.
Step 1: Saute the onion and garlic
In a large pan, heat the bacon grease and butter and add the onion and garlic. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring often.
Step 2: Add the seasonings and green beans
Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, and chicken broth, then stir in the green beans and simmer over low heat until the liquid is nearly gone. This may take up to 2 hours.
Step 3: Add the bacon
Add the bacon to the green beans and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Serve while hot.
Substitutions
Don’t have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change these green beans with bacon and brown sugar.
- Green Beans – canned green beans can be used if you don’t have fresh on hand.
- Stock – chicken stock can be used in place of chicken broth.
Variations
Want to personalize these green beans with bacon and brown sugar? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.
- Spicy – add red pepper flakes to increase the spice level of this recipe.
- ham – want to add a little more meat to your green beans, use cooked ham or smoked ham hocks.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this smoked green beans recipe.
Equipment
You only need two basic kitchen tools to help you make these recipes.
- knife and cutting board
- large pan
Storage
Do you have leftover crack green beans? Don’t worry! You can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to five days!
Tips
Do you want to make this green bean brown sugar and bacon recipe? Here are the tips you need to know to make sure your dish turns out well.
- I prefer fresh green beans for this dish, but you can use canned for a quicker version. One key to this dish is the long simmer time. Let them simmer until nearly all the broth is gone.
- If you are in a hurry, you can cook this over medium heat. Remove from the stove when most of the broth has evaporated.
More Side Dish Recipes
Do you like side dish recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try
FAQ
Do you have questions about green beans with bacon and brown sugar? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this recipe.
Reheat leftover green beans with bacon in the microwave for one to two minutes or until completely warm.
Yes! You can freeze leftover green beans with bacon for up to two months.
Certainly, these green beans are great made ahead of time. Just don’t add the bacon until you are heating your beans so that your bacon doesn’t get soggy.
Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Green beans with bacon and brown sugar
Equipment
- knife and cutting board
- large saucepan
Ingredients
- ½ pound bacon cooked and chopped, reserve the bacon grease for the green beans
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup white onion diced
- 1 Tablespoon garlic minced
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 pounds green beans trimmed and halved or (4 cans 14 ounce green beans)
Instructions
- Get out and measure your ingredients.
- In a large pan, heat your reserved bacon grease and butter and add the onion and garlic.
- Cook for 4 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the brown sugar, soy sauce and chicken broth.
- Stir in the green beans and simmer over low heat until the liquid is nearly gone. This may take up to 2 hours but is worth every minute.
- Add the bacon to the green beans and cook for an additional few minutes to warm bacon.
- Serve.
- Enjoy every bite!
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