Green Beans and Ham

Green beans and ham appear as a combo on all kinds of classic Southern menus. The pork steeps into the butter broth, cooking the stringy vegetable and infusing it with smoky and savory flavors. While most soul food sides take hours to prepare, this takes less than 30 minutes. Plate it with juicy roasted chicken, creamy mac and cheese or sweet honey cornbread. It’s a guaranteed hit at holiday gatherings or it can step in to upgrade your weeknight meal too.

Ingredients for Green Beans and Ham

• Green beans: We use fresh green beans and trim the edges before cooking them.
• Onion: The onion infuses aromatic and sweet flavors into these smoky green beans.
• Ham: We rely on cooked ham to add smoky and savory notes to these green beans.
• Butter: The butter helps create the rich and comforting sauce these green beans cook in.
• Garlic: The garlic adds aromatic and savory bites to these green beans.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients and cook

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Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Combine all the ingredients and bring them to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until the beans are crisp-tender.

Editor’s Tip: Wash the green beans and trim the edges off before cooking.

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Green Beans and Ham Variations

• Use chicken stock: To make this recipe even more flavorful, substitute the water for vegetable or chicken stock.
• Add hot peppers: If you prefer spicier bites, mince some jalapeño or serrano peppers and toss them in while cooking the green beans.
• Swap pork for turkey: Substitute the ham with smoked turkey in this green bean recipe if you don’t eat pork.

How to Store Green Beans and Ham

First, let your green beans and ham come to room temperature and then divide any large portions into smaller servings. Store them in an airtight container for three to four days.

Can you make these green beans and ham ahead of time?

If you have a holiday dinner coming up and tons of things to check off your to-do list, you can easily make these green beans in advance to lighten your workload. Follow the recipe, cool them down and store them in your fridge for three to four days. You can reheat them for your gathering using a slow cooker, microwave or stovetop.

Can you freeze these green beans and ham?

If you accidentally cook too much, freeze these green beans and ham for two to three months. You can reheat them using a slow cooker, microwave or stovetop.

How long do green beans and ham last?

Green beans and ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days or in the freezer for two to three months.

Green Beans and Ham Tips

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Can I make a vegan version of these green beans and ham?

You can easily cook a plant-based version of this recipe. While the ham delivers the savory flavors in this green bean dish, it isn’t necessary. You can swap the pork for mushrooms—try shiitake, maitake or portobellos—to get smoky, meat-like flavors. Additionally, you’ll want to nix the butter for a vegan one.

Can I use a different vegetable in this recipe?

While we recommend green beans, if you have other vegetables sitting in your fridge that you want to use up most work really well in this recipe. You can try collard greens, kale or Brussels sprouts.

What can I serve alongside green beans and ham?

Green beans and ham are an all-star side that pairs deliciously with creamy dishes like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes or au gratin. They also go hand in hand with roasted chicken, braised short ribs or baked salmon.