If you’ve ever been to the south, you may have tasted some of the best green beans in the world. From pole beans to bush beans, string beans to snap beans, there are so many varieties of fresh green beans that are perfect for cooking up into a tasty Southern side dish. In this blog post, I’ll share my favorite green beans recipe with you – a delicious and easy way to prepare greasy beans that’s perfect for any occasion.

A Little Bit About Greasy Beans
Greasy beans are a type of fresh green beans that are cooked in a Southern-style with garlic, butter, and seasonings like red pepper flakes and black pepper. They get their name from the slightly oily sheen that coats the beans when they’re cooked up in a skillet. In the old Appalachian way of cooking, they were also known as “leather britches” when they were dried on the vine and shucked in the fall. These dried beans would be rehydrated and cooked for a longer time with some pork or seasoning meat for a hearty dish that was perfect for cold winters.
While you can use canned green beans from the grocery store for this recipe, I highly recommend using fresh green beans for the best results. There’s nothing quite like the taste and texture of bright green, crispy green beans that have just been picked from the garden or local farmers market.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this tasty Southern green beans recipe, you’ll need simple ingredients that you may already have on hand in your pantry or fridge. You’ll need fresh green beans, garlic, butter, olive oil, chicken broth or water, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional). You can also add slices of bacon, ham hock, salt pork or seasoning meat to enhance the flavor of the beans.

Tips & Tricks for Cooking Greasy Beans
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the best greasy beans:
- Start with fresh, crisp green beans that are free of any blemishes or discoloration.
- Snap or cut off the ends of the beans before cooking.
- Cook the beans over medium-high heat for the best texture.
- Use garlic powder or minced fresh garlic for extra flavor.
- Add a little bit of onion powder or red onion for a sweeter taste.
- If you don’t have fresh beans, you can use frozen beans, canned beans or dried beans.
Variations
Here are a few variations on this recipe that you can try:
- Use heirloom beans like pink tip greasy, October beans or white half-runners for a unique flavor.
- Add some heirloom tomatoes to the dish for a pop of color and flavor.
- Cook the beans in a slow cooker or pressure cooker for a longer cooking time and tender beans.
- For a vegan version, use vegan butter or omit the butter and season with salt, pepper and olive oil.

Recommended Additional Courses
This greasy beans recipe is a great side dish for any meal, from pork chops to carrot cakes. It pairs well with many Southern-style dishes, including collard greens, cornbread, and mashed potatoes.
Related Recipes
If you’re looking for more tasty side dishes to serve alongside your greasy beans, be sure to check out my other Southern recipes like Cracker Barrel Chicken & Rice and, of course, the crispiest chicken you’ve ever had.
To the Recipe!
If you’re looking for an easy and tasty Southern-style green beans recipe, this greasy beans recipe is sure to please. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of delicious

Greasy Beans Recipe
These garlicky and buttery green beans are perfect as a side dish or as a snack on their own. With a low-carb and keto-friendly twist, they're a delicious and easy way to get your daily dose of veggies!
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and washed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil and butter over medium-high heat until melted and hot.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Add the green beans to the skillet and stir well to coat with the oil and garlic.
- Cook the green beans for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still slightly crispy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot as a side dish or enjoy as a snack!
Notes
- Be sure to use fresh green beans for the best flavor and texture.
- You can use a wok or a large skillet to cook the beans, whichever you prefer.
- If you don't have red pepper flakes on hand, you can skip them or substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you like your beans extra garlicky, feel free to add more minced garlic to the skillet.
- Don't overcook the green beans - you want them to be tender but still slightly crisp.
- These greasy beans are a great side dish for a variety of meals, from grilled meats to pasta dishes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 150Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 127mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 2g