If there is one side dish that tastes like pure comfort on a plate, it’s butter beans. They’re tender, creamy, and just begging to soak up flavor. And when you introduce a little butter, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and a crumble of crispy bacon? Ohhh yes. We are very much in cozy-side-dish heaven.
Butter beans are actually just mature lima beans – but don’t let the name “lima” scare you off if you’ve only ever had the mushy cafeteria version. Butter beans are larger, creamier, and have this rich, velvety texture that stands up beautifully to heat and seasoning. They’re the kind of bean that doesn’t disappear into a dish – they shine.
And if you’re wondering what to serve them with? Let me give you the pairing of all pairings: catfish. Pan-fried, baked, blackened … however you make it. Butter beans and catfish are a match that feels like Sunday supper at Grandma’s house. The crispy salty fish and the slightly sweet, buttery beans? Absolute perfection.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 2 strips bacon
- 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until it’s crisp and golden, turning as needed. This should take about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool, then crumble. - Warm the beans:
In a medium saucepan, add the butter beans, butter, and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently, until everything is warm and just starting to bubble – about 5 minutes. - Season + finish:
Stir in the bacon crumbles and season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. (If you like your beans a touch sweeter, add a tiny bit more brown sugar. No judgment – this is a cozy recipe!) - Serve warm, preferably alongside catfish or your favorite Southern-style main.
Nutrition (per serving)
274 Calories | 10g Fat | 33g Carbs | 13g Protein
What to Serve with Butter Beans
If you’re wondering what goes well with butter beans, the short answer is: just about everything! These creamy, flavorful beans make the perfect Southern side dish for all kinds of meals. Of course, my favorite pairing is crispy fried catfish – the salty crunch of the fish and the buttery sweetness of the beans are pure comfort together. But butter beans also shine next to fried chicken, pork chops, or a plate of barbecue ribs. They even work beautifully with baked ham, pan-seared salmon, or roasted veggies when you want something a little lighter. However you serve them, butter beans bring that cozy, home-cooked Southern warmth to the table every single time.
Southern-Style Butter Beans with Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 strips bacon
- 1 15-ounce can butter beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until it’s crisp and golden, turning as needed. This should take about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool, then crumble.
Warm the beans:
- In a medium saucepan, add the butter beans, butter, and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently, until everything is warm and just starting to bubble – about 5 minutes.
Season + finish:
- Stir in the bacon crumbles and season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. (If you like your beans a touch sweeter, add a tiny bit more brown sugar. No judgment – this is a cozy recipe!)
- Serve warm, preferably alongside catfish or your favorite Southern-style main.
Notes
- Butter beans are also called lima beans in many grocery stores. You can use either dried or canned, depending on how much time you have.
- If using dried beans, soak them overnight for the creamiest texture and more even cooking.
- This recipe tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to mingle.
- Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce before serving.
- These beans are wonderful served with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside grilled sausage, chicken, or seafood.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and reheat beautifully on the stovetop.
- A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds so much flavor.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil brighten everything up at the end.
Optional Variations
- Stir in baby spinach or escarole during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Add cooked pancetta, bacon, or Italian sausage for a heartier version.
- A little grated Parmesan on top is never a bad idea in my kitchen.
However you pair them, these butter beans are simple, soulful, and full of flavor – the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show. Now let’s get cooking! 🥄💛
