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!

Bowl of Cracker Barrel green beans sautéed with butter and herbs
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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.

Cracker Barrel-style green beans cooked with bacon and onions in a serving bowl

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

Ingredients needed for Cracker Barrel Green Beans Recipe on kitchen table.
  • 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

Cut green beans in a large clear bowl.

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.

Green bean mixture in a parchment-lined air fryer basket cooking at 370°F, ready to be served as a warm, savory side dish

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-style green beans with bacon and onions in a rustic bowl

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.

Southern-style green beans with bacon and onion served Cracker Barrel-style in a rustic bowl

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.

Southern-style Cracker Barrel green beans with bacon and onions in a rustic serving bowl

Do you love Cracker Barrel? Try these copycat recipes!

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Bowl of Cracker Barrel green beans sautéed with butter and herbs

Cracker Barrel Green Beans Recipe

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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 21 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Recreate Cracker Barrel’s delicious green beans with this easy recipe. Featuring bacon, onions, and simple seasonings, these Southern-style green beans are the perfect side for any meal.

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

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 20kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 0.5gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 0.4mgSodium: 149mgPotassium: 96mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 285IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 0.4mg

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