Pa. Dutch Green Beans
Pennsylvania Dutch Green Beans combine tender green beans with crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, and tangy vinegar, creating a flavorful side perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon in a skillet until crisp.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and set aside.
- Drain all but 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings from the skillet.
- Add sliced onion to the skillet and brown lightly.
- Stir in cornstarch, salt, and dry mustard.
- Drain green beans, reserving 1/2 cup of liquid.
- Add the reserved liquid to the skillet and cook, stirring until the mixture boils.
- Blend in brown sugar and vinegar.
- Add green beans and stir thoroughly to coat.
- Turn into a serving dish and garnish with sliced hard-cooked egg and crumbled bacon.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding garlic to the onions as they sauté. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika for a similar flavor profile. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference. This dish can also be enhanced with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Serving Suggestions
This dish makes an excellent side for grilled meats or roasted chicken, complementing flavors found in dishes like Pork Chops 'N Potato Bake. For a complete meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. Consider garnishing with additional crumbled bacon for added crunch and flavor, enhancing its appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the beans from becoming mushy. You can add a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate the dish while warming it up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pa. Dutch Green Beans contains roughly 189 calories, with 4g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1921mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used instead of canned. Blanch them in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain and add them to the skillet with the sauce. This will give your dish a fresher taste and a nicer texture.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses or honey to achieve a similar flavor. Alternatively, maple syrup can also serve as a sweetener, adding a unique twist to the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to the dish, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the onions. You could also serve it with a side of spicy pickles or jalapeños to enhance the flavor profile and add a kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).