Farmstead Vegetable Succotash with Smoked Bacon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant mix of fresh local vegetables sautéed with smoky bacon, embodying the farm-to-table spirit with rich Southern flavors. This southern-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs smoked bacon, fresh corn kernels, okra for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 6 diced slices of smoked bacon until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 2 tbsp bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet with bacon fat and sauté 1/2 cup diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups fresh corn kernels, 1 cup sliced okra, 1 cup diced red bell pepper, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup trimmed green beans to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Return the crisped bacon to the skillet and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve warm as a hearty vegetable side or main course.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Farmstead Vegetable Succotash with Smoked Bacon take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Farmstead Vegetable Succotash with Smoked Bacon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked bacon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Farmstead Vegetable Succotash with Smoked Bacon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Farmstead Vegetable Succotash with Smoked Bacon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Farmstead Vegetable Succotash with Smoked Bacon?

Southern vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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