Imagine a steaming bowl of perfectly cooked, tender-crisp green beans, bursting with the savory, comforting flavors of Cracker Barrel’s iconic side dish. That’s exactly what this recipe delivers – a homemade version that captures the essence of the beloved restaurant chain’s classic, but with a few clever twists that take it to new heights.
Growing up, I have fond memories of family dinners at Cracker Barrel, where the green beans were always a must-order. There was just something about their perfect texture and the way the salty, smoky bacon and fragrant onions melded together that made them absolutely irresistible. Now, as an adult, I’ve perfected my own take on this comfort food staple, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
What sets this recipe apart is the way it balances hearty, satisfying flavors with a healthy, nutrition-packed ingredient list. By using fresh, vibrant green beans and swapping out the traditional ham or bacon for a plant-based alternative, we’ve created a dish that’s just as delicious, but lighter and more wholesome. Whether you’re looking to recreate the Cracker Barrel experience at home or simply want a new way to enjoy green beans, this is the recipe that’s going to become a new family favorite.
🌟 What Sets This Amazing Recipe Apart?
Beyond the classic Cracker Barrel flavors, this recipe offers several unique features that make it truly exceptional. First and foremost, the use of fresh, seasonal green beans ensures maximum freshness and a perfectly crisp-tender texture. By avoiding canned or frozen beans, we’re able to preserve the natural sweetness and vibrant color that is often lost in processed versions.
Additionally, the bacon in this recipe has been swapped out for a plant-based alternative, making it a healthier and more sustainable option without sacrificing any of the smoky, savory goodness. The result is a dish that’s just as comforting and indulgent, but with a lighter, more nutritious profile.
Ingredients
• 3 slices plant-based bacon, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
The key to this recipe’s exceptional flavor is the combination of plant-based bacon, fragrant thyme, and a touch of smoky paprika. The bacon provides a savory, umami-rich base, while the thyme and paprika lend depth and complexity. The optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick of heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your personal preferences.
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans: Trim the ends off the green beans and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced plant-based bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the reserved bacon fat and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the Green Beans: Add the trimmed and cut green beans to the pan with the onions and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth and season with the dried thyme, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Simmer and Tenderize: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and cook the green beans, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp, about 10-12 minutes. The green beans should still have a slight bite to them.
- Finish and Season: Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to evaporate. Season the green beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the cooked green beans to a serving dish and top with the reserved crispy plant-based bacon. Serve hot and enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
🍴 Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 4 servings.
• Protein: 4 g
• Sodium: 302 mg
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Fiber: 5 g
🌱 All the Different Spins You Can Take
• To Make it Vegan: To make this recipe entirely vegan, substitute the plant-based bacon with an additional 1/4 cup of toasted, chopped walnuts or pecans for a similar savory, smoky flavor.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon for a more pronounced heat. You can also try adding a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the broth mixture.
🍽️ Smart Pairings to Round Out the Dish
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the green beans with a sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds or crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch.
• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, dry white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing iced tea or lemonade would also be a perfect complement.
🛑 Common Missteps and How to Fix Them
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold green beans and other ingredients will lower the temperature of the pan, making it harder to achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture. Allow all the ingredients to come to room temperature before cooking for best results.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: This recipe doesn’t require any oven time, but it’s still important to preheat your skillet or Dutch oven before adding the ingredients. A hot pan is essential for searing the vegetables and developing those delicious caramelized flavors.
💾 Smart Ways to Store This for Later
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the green beans to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet or the oven until heated through.
• Reheating: To reheat the green beans, place them in a skillet or baking dish and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crisp-tender.
❓ FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?
While you can use frozen green beans in a pinch, the texture and flavor won’t be quite the same as with fresh, seasonal beans. Frozen beans tend to be softer and can release more moisture, leading to a less crisp-tender result. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid steaming.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish actually benefits from being made in advance, as the flavors have time to meld and develop. You can prepare the green beans up to 4 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the green beans in a skillet or the oven until heated through.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe is already dairy-free, as it doesn’t contain any dairy ingredients. The only potential source of dairy would be in the plant-based bacon, so be sure to check the label and choose a dairy-free variety.
Can I use regular bacon instead of the plant-based version?
Yes, you can absolutely use regular pork bacon in this recipe if you prefer. The flavor profile will be slightly different, with a richer, smokier taste. Just keep in mind that the nutritional information will also change if you use traditional bacon.
How can I make this recipe even healthier?
To make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers to the mix. You can also try swapping the plant-based bacon for a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for a protein and fiber boost.
🍴 A Delicious Ending and a New Beginning
There’s nothing quite like a steaming plate of these flavorful, tender-crisp Cracker Barrel-style green beans to bring a sense of comfort and nostalgia to the table. But this recipe takes that classic dish to new heights, balancing the indulgent, savory flavors with a healthy, wholesome twist.
Whether you’re reminiscing about family dinners at the iconic restaurant chain or simply looking for a new way to enjoy green beans, this recipe is sure to become a new household favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to savor every bite of this extraordinary take on a comforting classic.
Bon appétit!
Hearty, Healthy Cracker Barrel Green Beans: A Comforting Classic Made Extraordinary
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Trim the ends off the green beans and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced plant-based bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon fat in the pan.
- Add the diced onion to the reserved bacon fat and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the trimmed and cut green beans to the pan with the onions and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth and season with the dried thyme, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and cook the green beans, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp, about 10-12 minutes. The green beans should still have a slight bite to them.
- Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to evaporate. Season the green beans with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Transfer the cooked green beans to a serving dish and top with the reserved crispy plant-based bacon. Serve hot and enjoy!
