Pennsylvania Dutch Style Green Beans
Pennsylvania Dutch Green Beans combine tender green beans with crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, and tangy vinegar, making a savory side perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon in a skillet until crisp.
- Remove bacon and crumble.
- Drain all but 2 tablespoons of drippings from the skillet.
- Add sliced onion and brown lightly.
- Stir in cornstarch, salt, and dry mustard.
- Drain green beans, reserving 1/2 cup of liquid.
- Stir the reserved liquid into the skillet and cook, stirring, until the mixture starts to boil.
- Blend in brown sugar and vinegar.
- Add green beans and heat thoroughly.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced hard-cooked egg and crumbled bacon.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using turkey bacon or pancetta as a substitute for traditional bacon. If you're looking to lighten up the dish, you can use low-sodium green beans and reduce the amount of brown sugar. Adding a pinch of garlic powder can enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish. This recipe pairs beautifully with Mustard Apricot Pork Chops for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pennsylvania Dutch Style Green Beans as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken. They complement a variety of main courses, including pork recipes and are especially delicious with mashed potatoes. For an elevated presentation, garnish with fresh herbs or additional sliced hard-cooked eggs.
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 with a splash of water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pennsylvania Dutch Style Green Beans contains roughly 475 calories, with 4g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1928mg 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 for a fresher taste. Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the skillet. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they remain tender yet crisp.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to achieve a similar flavor. For a richer taste, consider using vegetable broth instead of the reserved liquid from the green beans.
What other dishes would pair well with this recipe?
This dish pairs wonderfully with American recipes like Baked Beans For 100 People or Goulash More. Its savory flavor complements a variety of main courses, particularly grilled meats and hearty casseroles.
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).