Copycat Cracker Barrel Green Beans – Smoky Bacon Perfection
Copycat Cracker Barrel Green Beans deliver tender, smoky canned green beans simmered in bacon drippings with sweet onions for authentic country-style flavor. This easy side dish takes just 10 minutes to prep and simmers hands-free to perfection, serving 6-8 as a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser alongside ham, fried chicken, or holiday roasts.
Tender green beans absorb rich bacon flavor without turning mushy, thanks to a low simmer in their own liquid. Add a touch of sugar for that signature Southern sweetness that elevates canned beans to restaurant quality. Perfect for weeknights or make-ahead feasts, these reheat beautifully and pair with everything.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT45M
- Total Time: PT55M
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients
4 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, undrained
4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste)
Instructions
1. 1. Chop bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook bacon 5-7 minutes until fat renders and edges brown but not crisp. No need to drain.
3. 2. Add undrained green beans (with liquid), diced onion, sugar, pepper, and salt if using. Stir once to combine.
5. 3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat (3-5 minutes), then reduce to low simmer. Cover and cook undisturbed 35-45 minutes until onions soften and flavors meld. Beans stay tender without stirring.
7. 4. Remove lid, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with slotted spoon, letting excess liquid drain. Pairs perfectly with cornbread or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
– Bacon choice matters: thick-cut renders more fat for deeper flavor.
– Don’t stir during simmer: preserves bean texture.
– Too thin? Uncover last 10 minutes to reduce liquid.
– Scale up easily: double for 12 servings.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in covered container with some liquid in fridge up to 5 days. Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat, adding splash of water if needed. Microwave works too: covered, 2-3 minutes stirring halfway. Freezes well for 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg