Southern Bacon Butter Beans with Brown Sugar and Garlic
Rich, smoky butter beans slow-simmered in bacon drippings with brown sugar, garlic, and savory stock concentrate. This Southern comfort side dish transforms humble lima beans into a creamy, flavorful accompaniment perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or holiday meals. The bacon adds smoky depth while brown sugar balances the beans' earthiness, creating a dish that converts even the most reluctant butter bean skeptics.
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- ½ large yellow onion, diced
- salt and pepper
- 28 ounces canned or frozen butter beans or lima beans, drained and rinsed if cannednavy beans1:1different texturedairy-free
cooking time may vary
- 2 heaping tablespoons brown sugar, light or dark
- 2 teaspoons chicken stock concentratevegetable bouillon1:1vegetarian
slightly different flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- ½ teaspoon crushed chili flakes(optional)
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- 1
Cook chopped bacon in large pot over medium heat until browned and crispy, then transfer to paper towel lined plate, leaving two tablespoons drippings in pot
- 2
Add diced onion to bacon drippings, season with salt and pepper, cook for 5 minutes until tender
- 3
Add butter beans, brown sugar, stock concentrate, garlic, and chili flakes if using, cook for a few minutes
- 4
Add stock and butter, reduce heat to low ensuring everything is submerged
- 5
Simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes until stock reduces and becomes creamier
- 6
Top with crispy bacon and serve warm
Tips
Simmer time is flexible - go longer for thicker consistency or shorter for more soupy texture
Save some bacon fat if you want extra richness - store covered in refrigerator for future cooking
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving since stock concentrate saltiness varies by brand
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with splash of stock if needed.
Can be made 1 day ahead. Flavors improve overnight. Reheat before serving.
Serve warm as side dish with cornbread, biscuits, or grilled meats.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining canned beans to avoid excess sodium and starchy liquid
Keep heat at low during simmering to prevent beans from breaking apart
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
cooking time may vary
General Alternatives
slightly different flavor
FAQ
Can I use dried butter beans instead of canned or frozen?
Yes, but soak overnight and pre-cook until tender before following the recipe. This adds significant time to preparation.
What if I don't have stock concentrate?
Use 1 bouillon cube dissolved in the liquid or add extra salt and herbs to taste. Start with less and adjust.
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as ingredients meld together.