The Best Southern Butter Beans
Southern butter beans are a classic comfort food that’s both hearty and packed with flavor. Whether you serve them as a main dish or a side, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With smoky bacon, ham, and a medley of fresh veggies, these butter beans soak up every bit of savory goodness. The blend of creole seasoning, thyme, and garlic gives this dish an irresistible Southern flair.
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This dish is not just tasty but also a great way to use simple pantry ingredients. With a bit of prep and slow simmering, you’ll have a pot of buttery beans that’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s dive into this soulful Southern recipe!
Key Takeaways
- Butter Beans: Use large Lima beans for a rich and creamy texture.
- Soaking: Soak beans overnight for quicker cooking and better texture.
- Flavor Base: Bacon, smoked ham, and Creole seasoning add a Southern twist.
- Versatile: Can be served as a main dish or a hearty side.
Ingredients
- Camellia Brand large Lima beans, rinsed and soaked
- Butter
- White onion, diced
- Green onion, diced
- Carrots, diced
- Celery sticks, diced
- Bacon, diced
- Smoked ham, diced
- Chicken stock
- Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken
- Water
- Dried thyme
- Creole seasoning
- Granulated garlic
Directions
1
Prep the Beans: Rinse the beans and soak them overnight in water.
2
Cook the Vegetables: In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced white onion and green onion, cooking until translucent. Add carrots and celery, cooking until they begin to soften.
3
Add Meats and Seasonings: Toss in the diced bacon, smoked ham, thyme, Creole seasoning, and granulated garlic. Stir well, cover, and let it cook down for about 10-15 minutes.
4
Simmer with the Beans: Add the drained beans, chicken stock, bouillon, and water to the pot. Stir everything together.
5
Cook Until Tender: Cover and simmer on low heat until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve warm as a main or side dish!
Commonly Asked Questions
How long do I need to soak the beans?
Soaking the beans overnight (about 8 hours) is ideal. If you’re short on time, a quick soak for at least 1-2 hours in hot water can work too.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned beans, but reduce the cooking time since canned beans are already softened. Adjust the seasoning as needed since canned beans often have added salt.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Skip the bacon and ham, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Southern butter beans are a true crowd-pleaser, with their rich, smoky flavor and creamy texture. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also filled with heartwarming, Southern charm. Whether you’re new to cooking butter beans or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices and seasonings to make it your own. Serve it up with cornbread or as a side to your favorite meal, and you’ve got a comfort food classic that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. So go ahead, grab your beans, and enjoy a taste of the South in every bite!
Southern Butter Beans
Ingredients
- 1 lb Camellia Brand large Lima beans rinsed and soaked
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 small white onion diced
- ½ bunch green onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery sticks diced
- ½ pack bacon diced
- 1 small pack diced smoked ham
- 32 oz Chicken Stock
- 1 tsp better than bouillon roasted chicken
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp creole seasoning – more if wanted
- 1 tbsp granulated garlic
Instructions
- Rinse and soak beans overnight.
- In a Dutch oven add in butter, onion, green onion and cook till translucent. Then add in your carrots and celery and let cook till softened.
- Add in your meats and seasonings. Cover and let cook down for 10-15 minutes.
- Add in your drained beans, chicken stock, bouillon, and water.
- Cover and let cook until beans are tender!
