Cheddars Southern Green Beans Recipe
My love for Cheddar’s Southern Green Beans began during a family dinner last summer. We sat around our kitchen table, and I served fresh green beans from our garden.
My husband took one bite and asked why these didn’t taste like the ones from Cheddar’s restaurant.
That question started my quest to create the perfect Cheddars Southern Green Beans Recipe at home. After several attempts and kitchen experiments, I discovered the perfect method.
These beans taste just like the restaurant version – tender, buttery, and packed with Southern charm. The secret lies in the slow-cooking method and the perfect mix of seasonings.
Today I am sharing this copycat Cheddars Southern Green Beans Recipe that brings restaurant magic to your home kitchen.

Why Do Cheddar’s Restaurant Green Beans Taste So Good?
Cheddar’s Southern Green Beans have a unique taste that makes them different from ordinary green beans. The key is the cooking method.
The beans are lightly cooked to stay tender yet slightly crisp. Butter and garlic bring richness and flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the beans.
A little salt and pepper balance the flavor, and sometimes a splash of stock or water keeps them moist and glossy.
The combination of simple ingredients and careful cooking is what gives these green beans that signature restaurant taste.
Cheddars Southern Green Beans Ingredients
- Fresh Green Beans (1½ pounds): Trim off the ends before cooking. Fresh is best, but frozen green beans can work too – just thaw before cooking.
- Salted Butter (4 tablespoons): Gives the beans their rich, southern flavor. Unsalted butter works too; just add a pinch more salt.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the flavor and enhances the beans’ natural sweetness.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a little mild heat and depth. Freshly ground pepper tastes best.
Must-Have Kitchen Appliances
- Large Pot or Steamer – For steaming green beans.
- Skillet or Frying Pan – For sautéing in butter.
- Cutting Board & Knife – For trimming ends.
- Measuring Spoons – For seasoning accurately.
- Slotted Spoon or Tongs – For stirring and serving.
How To Make Cheddars Southern Green Beans
Step 1 | Prepare the Green Beans
First, wash the green beans under cool water. Then, snap off the stem end of each bean. You can also line them up and cut the ends off with a knife. This makes the job go faster.

Step 2 | Cook the Green Beans
Fill your large pot about halfway with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the green beans.
Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes. We want them to be tender but still have a little crunch. They should be bright green.

Step 3 | Sauté in Butter
Place your skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet. Let it melt completely.
Once the butter is melted and looks foamy, add the drained green beans to the skillet. Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the beans.

Step 4 | Combine and Serve
Use your tongs or a spoon to toss the green beans in the butter. Make sure every bean is coated. Cook them for another 3-4 minutes, stirring often. This helps the beans soak up the butter and the flavors get even better.
Once they are shiny and perfectly coated, they are ready. Pour them into a serving bowl and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Tricks
- Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to boil the green beans for too long. We want them tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Dry Them Well: After draining, shake the colander well. Extra water in the skillet will make the butter splatter.
- Garlic Lover?: For extra flavor, add one minced garlic clove to the butter just before you add the green beans. Cook for 30 seconds until it smells great.
- A Little Zest: A small squeeze of lemon juice at the end can make the flavors taste even brighter.
Ways to Enjoy This Dish
These Southern green beans are a perfect side dish for any meal. They are great for a simple weeknight dinner next to baked chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf.
They also are wonderful for big family gatherings and holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
The rich, buttery flavor pairs well with turkey, ham, and roast beef. However you serve them, they always feel like a special treat.
Cheddars restaurant likely serves these green beans as a standard side dish option. They probably come in a small bowl alongside a main course like grilled chicken or a steak.
The beans are meant to be a simple, tasty vegetable that completes the meal.
Storage & Reheating Tips
How to Store: Place leftover green beans in an airtight container once they cool. Store them in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
How to Reheat: Warm the beans in a skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until hot. You can also reheat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Freezing Instructions: This dish can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove for the best texture.
Cheddars Southern Green Beans Recipe FAQs
1. Does Cheddar’s green beans have pork?
Yes, Cheddar’s Southern green beans usually include bacon, which adds a smoky flavor. If you prefer a pork-free option, you can make this recipe at home with turkey bacon or skip the bacon and use smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
2. Do copycat Cheddar’s green beans actually taste the same?
Yes, this copycat Cheddars Southern Green Beans Recipe comes very close to the restaurant version. The key is slow-simmering the beans in broth with bacon and onions so they absorb all the flavor. Using fresh beans and real butter gives the best result.
3. My beans are too soft. What did I do wrong?
They were probably boiled for too long. Next time, check them after 5 minutes. You want them to be tender but still have a little crunch. This is called “crisp-tender.”
4. What if my beans turn out too salty?
Cut back salt next time, starting with half teaspoon. Taste during sauté and add more if needed. Butter already has salt, so that factors in. Rinse beans before cooking if worried. Balance with a squeeze of lemon at end for brightness.
Most find 1 teaspoon perfect, but adjust for your preference. This keeps the dish enjoyable without overwhelming flavors.
5. Can I add extra flavor?
Yes! Garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of smoked paprika enhances taste. Adding cooked bacon pieces also adds richness.

Cheddars Southern Green Beans Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash the green beans under cool water. Snap or cut off the stem ends.
- Fill a large pot halfway with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the green beans and cook 5–7 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter until foamy. Add the drained green beans. Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the beans.
- Toss beans in butter using tongs or a spoon. Cook 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until beans are shiny and well-coated. Serve immediately.
This Cheddars Southern Green Beans Recipe is full of smoky, buttery flavor and easy enough for any home cook to try.
It brings that warm, homestyle taste right to your table.