Pennsylvania Dutch Green Beans
Pennsylvania Dutch Green Beans combine tender green beans with a savory, sweet, and tangy bacon-based sauce. The dish offers a harmonious blend of smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and a tangy vinegar glaze, making it a hearty side perfect for family gatherings or traditional comfort meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp; drain and set aside.
- Saute chopped onions in bacon fat until golden.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, dry mustard, brown sugar, and cider vinegar.
- Add water from cooked green beans to the mixture and beat until smooth.
- Add the liquid mixture to the bacon fat in the pan and boil until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked green beans and stir well to coat.
- Crush bacon and sprinkle on top.
- Heat until hot and bubbly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a splash of soy sauce to the green beans. If you don't have bacon, you can substitute with turkey bacon or smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of the water from the green beans. Make sure to adjust the salt if using broth, as it may already be salty.
Serving Suggestions
These Pennsylvania Dutch Green Beans make a delightful side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with pork recipes like roasted pork loin or glazed ham. For a complete meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes and Mary'S Broccoli Or Cauliflower Salad for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the green beans in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Heat until warmed through, and consider adding a little more bacon or seasoning for freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pennsylvania Dutch Green Beans contains roughly 294 calories, with 5g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2001mg per serving (87% 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 frozen green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans if fresh ones are unavailable. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as frozen beans may require less time to heat through.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the liquid mixture. You can also sauté sliced jalapeños with the onions for a fresh kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
What type of bacon works best for this recipe?
For the best flavor, use thick-cut bacon, as it will provide a richer taste and better texture. However, regular-cut bacon works too. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey bacon can be a good substitute, though it may not provide the same depth of flavor.
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).