Cracker Barrel Green Beans Recipe is a classic Southern side dish that brings both comfort and vibrant flavor to your table. This is a great recipe, perfect for your next holiday or cookout!

This copycat of Cracker Barrel’s country-style green beans brings that classic Southern flavor right to your kitchen. Made with fresh or canned green beans, cooked low and slow with onion, bacon, and a touch of seasoning, this dish is simple but full of down-home comfort.
The bacon infuses the beans with a smoky richness, while the slow simmering gives them that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture Cracker Barrel is known for. It’s the perfect side dish for any hearty meal and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Why You Will Love This Best Cracker Barrel Green Beans Recipe!
- Full of Southern Flavor – Simmered with bacon, onions, and seasonings, these green beans taste just like the comforting side dish from Cracker Barrel.
- Quick and Easy to Make – With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together effortlessly—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly Favorite – Even picky eaters love this savory, tender green bean dish—it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday meal, potluck, or casual dinner, these green beans make a classic and reliable side.
- Versatile and Budget-Friendly – Use fresh, frozen, or canned green beans depending on what you have on hand—it’s delicious every time!
Cracker Barrel Green Beans Ingredients

- Bacon: Crispy, savory bacon adds smoky flavor and richness.
- Green beans: Fresh green beans or canned green beans.
- Yellow onion (optional): Sweet, aromatic onions enhance depth and hearty flavor.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sugar balances the savory notes.
- Kosher salt: Brings out all the natural flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and savory contrast.
How to make this Cracker Barrel Green Beans Recipe

Step One: Set your air fryer to 370 degrees F (188°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Step Two: Place chopped bacon in the air fryer basket and set cook time for 5–7 minutes or until crisp. Remove and set aside.

Step Three (Optional): Mix chopped onions with a drizzle of bacon grease and air fry for 3-4 minutes until soft and golden.
Step Four: In a large mixing bowl, toss together drained green beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onion, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Step Five: Transfer the green bean mixture to a parchment-lined air fryer basket. Cook at 370 degrees F and set cook time for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking. Remove from the air fryer and serve warm as a savory side dish!

Cracker Barrel Recipe For Green Beans Tips
- If Using Canned Beans: Don’t drain all the liquid—using some helps infuse the beans with rich, savory flavor during cooking.
- Simmer Low and Slow: Let the beans cook gently to absorb all the smoky bacon and onion flavor—this mimics that slow-cooked Cracker Barrel taste.
- Chop Bacon Finely: Smaller bacon pieces crisp up quickly and distribute better throughout the dish, ensuring every bite has a bit of smoky goodness.
- Add a Touch of Sugar: A little sugar balances the saltiness and enhances the beans’ natural flavor—just like Cracker Barrel does.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the texture—green beans should be tender but not mushy. A bit of bite keeps the dish fresh and satisfying.
Storing
Storing Cracker Barrel Green Beans: Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to preserve their flavor and texture.
Reheating Cracker Barrel Green Beans: To reheat, warm them in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

What To Serve With Cracker Barrel Green Bean Recipe
Cracker Barrel Green Beans make a perfect side dish for a variety of hearty meals. They pair wonderfully with fried chicken, roast chicken, or pork chops, adding a savory, tender element to your plate. For a complete Southern-style meal, serve them alongside mashed potatoes, cornbread, or biscuits to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special holiday gathering, these green beans will elevate any main dish and make your meal feel extra comforting.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Green Beans Recipe Faqs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned? Yes! If using fresh green beans, blanch them for 3-5 minutes until tender, then follow the rest of the recipe for the best results.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can cook the green beans in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them gently before serving.
How can I make the green beans vegetarian? To make the recipe vegetarian, simply skip the bacon and sauté the onions in olive oil or butter instead for a flavorful base.
Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, frozen green beans work well too! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
How do I adjust the flavor if it’s too salty? If the beans are too salty, try adding a bit more sugar or a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Can I freeze the leftover green beans? While green beans can be frozen, their texture may change after thawing. It’s best to consume them fresh or store them in the fridge for a few days.

Do you love Cracker Barrel? Try these copycat recipes!
- cracker barrel carrot recipe
- cracker barrel cinnamon roll pie
- air fryer cracker barrel macaroni and cheese
- broccoli cheddar chicken (cracker barrel copycat)
- air fryer cracker barrel’s buttermilk biscuits
- air fryer copycat cracker barrel fried apples
- air fryer copycat cracker barrel grilled chicken tenders
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Cracker Barrel Green Beans Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 3 slices center-cut bacon, chopped
- 3 cups green beans, fresh or 2 cans
- ¼ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.
- Place chopped bacon in the air fryer basket and cook for 5–7 minutes or until crisp. Remove and set aside. (Use parchment or foil if needed to catch grease.)
- Mix chopped onions with a drizzle of bacon grease and air fry for 3–4 minutes until soft and golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together drained green beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onion, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Transfer the green bean mixture to a parchment-lined air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve warm as a savory side dish!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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