Southern-style beans are a staple dish in the American South, known for their rich and hearty flavor. This humble dish has been a part of Southern cooking for generations, with each family having their own unique twist on the classic recipe. Whether you're looking for a comforting side dish or a satisfying meal on its own, this article will guide you through the steps of making the perfect Southern-style beans.
Southern style beans are a staple in many Southern households, and for good reason. These hearty and flavorful beans are the perfect side dish for any meal, and they're even better when cooked with beer can chicken. Here are 20 different ways to enjoy Southern style beans with your beer can chicken.
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Southern Style Beans & Bacon
Main Ingredients: Dried Pinto Beans, Bacon, Yellow Onion, Chicken Stock
For a delicious twist on traditional Southern style beans, add some bacon to the mix. The smoky and salty flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy beans, creating a mouthwatering side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Try this recipe with your beer can chicken for a winning combination.
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Pressure Cooker Southern Style Beans and Greens
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Eyed Peas, Collard Greens, Onion, Garlic
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the flavors of Southern style beans, try making them in a pressure cooker. This method cuts down on the cooking time, but still results in tender and flavorful beans. Add some greens to the mix for a healthy and delicious twist on this classic dish.
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The Very Best Barbecue Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Vidalia Onion, Garlic, Bourbon, Brewed Coffee
No Southern barbecue is complete without a side of baked beans. This recipe takes traditional baked beans to the next level by adding barbecue sauce, bacon, and a touch of spicy heat. Serve these beans alongside your beer can chicken for a true Southern feast.
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Southern Lima Beans (Butter Beans)
Main Ingredients: Lima Beans, Smoked Ham Hock, Water, Salt, Black Pepper
In the South, lima beans are often referred to as butter beans due to their creamy texture and flavor. These beans are a classic side dish, and when cooked with beer can chicken, they become even more flavorful. Try this recipe for Southern lima beans with your next beer can chicken dinner.
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Southern Butter Beans
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Butter, Chicken Bouillon, Salt, Water
Another way to enjoy butter beans is to cook them in a savory broth with smoked ham hocks and spices. The result is a rich and hearty side dish that is perfect for pairing with beer can chicken. The smoky flavor of the ham hocks adds a depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. These small legumes pack a punch of flavor and are a great source of protein. When cooked with beer can chicken, they become even more flavorful and make a delicious side dish. Try this Southern black-eyed pea recipe for your next beer can chicken dinner.
A classic Southern side dish, baked beans are a must-have at any barbecue or potluck. This recipe takes traditional baked beans and adds a touch of brown sugar and molasses for a hint of sweetness. Serve these beans alongside your beer can chicken for a perfect pairing.
Green beans are a staple in Southern cooking, and for good reason. They're easy to prepare and are a great side dish for any meal. This recipe takes traditional Southern green beans and adds some crispy bacon for a delicious twist. Serve these beans with your beer can chicken for a well-rounded Southern meal.
When the weather turns chilly, there's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. This Southern-inspired soup combines greens, beans, and ham hocks for a hearty and flavorful dish. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and comforting meal.
For a hands-off approach to cooking your beans, try making them in a crockpot. This recipe combines ham hocks, beans, and a variety of herbs and spices for a delicious and comforting dish. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a true Southern comfort food experience.
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Southern Inspired Greens, Beans & Ham Soup
Main Ingredients: Cubed Ham, Beans, Mustard Greens, Collard Greens
This recipe combines tender Northern beans with smoked turkey for a flavorful and protein-packed side dish. The smoky flavor of the turkey adds a depth of flavor to the beans, making them the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
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Crockpot Ham and Beans - A Southern comfort food staple
Main Ingredients: Ham Bone, Pinto Beans, Onion, Beans, Water, Salt, Pepper
For a twist on traditional Southern lima beans, try using baby lima beans instead. They cook up quicker and have a slightly different texture than their larger counterparts. This recipe also adds some sweet corn for a touch of sweetness. Serve these beans with your beer can chicken for a delicious and unique side dish.
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Southern Northern Beans and Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Bean, Olive Oil, Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic
For a smokier take on traditional baked beans, try adding some smoked sausage to the mix. The smoky flavor of the sausage pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy sauce, creating a delicious and hearty side dish. Serve these beans with your beer can chicken for a match made in Southern heaven.
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Southern Style Baby Lima Beans
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Chicken Broth, Garlic, Onion Powder, Sugar
This simple and flavorful bean dish is a staple in many Southern households. It's made with just a few ingredients, but the result is a rich and creamy side dish that goes well with any meal. Try it alongside your beer can chicken for a no-fuss and flavorful dinner.
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Smoky Southern Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Ghee, Ground Beef, Medium Onion, Green Bell Pepper
For a richer and creamier take on traditional butter beans, try cooking them with heavy cream. This indulgent side dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a decadent and delicious meal.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread. This recipe for Southern skillet cornbread is easy to make and results in a slightly sweet and savory cornbread. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a true Southern feast.
Succotash is a traditional Southern dish that combines corn, beans, and other vegetables. This hearty stew is full of flavor and makes a great side dish for beer can chicken. Try this recipe for a truly Southern dining experience.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
For a unique twist on traditional stuffing, try using Southern style beans as a base. The beans add a richness and creaminess to the stuffing that takes it to the next level. Serve this dish alongside your beer can chicken for a truly memorable meal.
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Southern Succotash Stew
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Baby Lima Beans, Vegetables, Okra, Green
For a complete meal, try serving your beer can chicken with Southern style beans and rice. The beans and rice are cooked together with spices and herbs for a flavorful and filling side dish. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
Here is a list of ingredients you will need:
1 pound of dried beans - any type of beans will work, but traditionally pinto or navy beans are used in Southern-style cooking.
1 onion, chopped - adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the beans.
3 cloves of garlic, minced - for an extra punch of flavor.
1 green bell pepper, chopped - adds a subtle hint of sweetness and crunch to the beans.
1 smoked ham hock or bacon - adds a smoky and savory flavor to the beans.
1 teaspoon of chili powder - gives the beans a slight kick of spice.
1 teaspoon of garlic powder - for a more intense garlic flavor.
1 teaspoon of onion powder - enhances the onion flavor in the beans.
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika - adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the beans.
1 teaspoon of thyme - for a subtle earthy and herby flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste - adds the perfect amount of seasoning to the beans.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the perfect Southern-style beans:
Prepare the beans - start by rinsing and soaking the beans overnight in a large pot filled with water. This will help soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
Sauté the aromatics - in a large pot, sauté the onions, garlic, and green bell pepper until they become translucent and fragrant.
Add the beans and seasonings - drain and rinse the soaked beans and add them to the pot with the sautéed aromatics. Then, add the smoked ham hock or bacon and all the seasonings.
Cover and cook - pour enough water to cover the beans and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the liquid has thickened into a rich sauce.
Adjust seasoning - taste the beans and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices to enhance the flavor.
Serve and enjoy - Southern-style beans are typically served as a side dish with cornbread and other Southern favorites. You can also enjoy them as a main course with rice or on top of a baked potato.
Now that you know how to make the perfect Southern-style beans, it's time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. This hearty and delicious dish will surely become a favorite in your household and will transport you to the comfort of the American South with every bite.
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