Southern-Style Butter Beans with Bacon
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.
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.