Celebrate all that warm weather produce has to offer with this scrumptious bacon succotash made in my favorite cast-iron skillet! A mixture of fresh sweet corn, lima beans, tomatoes, crispy bacon, and fresh basil make this a delicious side dish the whole family will love!
If you've just paid a visit to the farmers' market and your fresh produce haul includes fresh corn, you're going to want to make this succotash recipe. However, let me fill you in on a little secret: you can also use frozen corn if it's not one of the summer months and you've got a craving.
I love how versatile this all-in-one vegetable side dish is. Simply serve it with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or sautéed shrimp. Or, check out these recipes for Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops, pork chops with vinegar peppers, and Old Bay and Honey Butter Roasted Salmon for the ultimate summertime meal options!
Now that you've got some ideas, let's get to the main event!
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Ingredients
First, let's gather everything you need to make this summer succotash. Remember, if you can't find nice and sweet fresh corn, feel free to use frozen, thawed corn instead.
- Thick-sliced bacon
- Fresh corn kernels (or use frozen, thawed)
- Frozen lima beans, thawed
- Garlic cloves
- Grape or cherry tomatoes
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Fresh basil
- Kosher salt and black pepper
(See recipe card for quantities)
Instructions
We've got all our ingredients, so time to get cooking!
First, cook the bacon in a large cast-iron skillet until crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel lined plate.
Next, cook the minced garlic in the bacon drippings in the skillet.
Then, add the lima beans, corn, and broth and simmer until tender.
Finally, add the reserved bacon and tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes soften and burst. Garnish with basil.
Hint: The basil leaves will begin to wilt and darken soon after adding to the succotash. For the prettiest presentation and extra pop of color, wait until just before serving to add the basil.
Substitutions
Need some options for alternative ingredients? I've got you covered:
- Vegan succotash - Omit the bacon for a vegetarian (and vegan) version. Substitute 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil for the bacon fat.
- Edamame- Thawed frozen (shelled) edamame is a great substitute for lima beans.
- Frozen corn - If fresh corn isn't in season, you can definitely substitute frozen thawed corn instead.
- Basil - If you don't have fresh basil, there are lots of other fresh herbs that will work too. Try fresh thyme, parsley, or oregano.
- Tomatoes - Use coarsely chopped fresh tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes if that's what you have on hand.
Variations
If you're looking to change up this recipe, here are a few ideas for how:
- Spicy - For a spicy kick, stir in minced jalapeño when you add the tomatoes.
- More veggies - Add sliced fresh okra and chopped red sweet red bell pepper when you add the tomatoes.
- Make it creamy - For the ultimate comfort food version, add a little heavy cream at the end and simmer until the pan sauce is thick.
Equipment
Here's what you'll need to make this summer succotash recipe:
- cast-iron skillet
- liquid measuring cup
- dry measuring cups
Storage
Store any leftover succotash in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I don't recommend freezing leftovers.
Tasty tip
To easily cut fresh corn off the cob, place the ear of corn in the center of a Bundt or tube pan. Then, cut the kernels off the corn with a sharp knife and they'll fall into the bowl of the pan instead of bouncing onto the counter and floor.
Frequently asked questions
Classic succotash is a mix of lima beans and corn plus some other veggies like squash. Or, in this recipe, tomatoes.
The dish has Native American origins and the word "succotash" is actually derived from the Narragansett word for boiled corn.
The great thing about my bacon succotash recipe is that you can eat it with just about anything. I love it with grilled chicken or pork chops, fried fish, and fried chicken.
In the South, yes. In fact, I grew up calling lima beans "butter beans" so they're interchangeable. However, this recipe calls for "lima beans" because that's what you'll find at the store.
Related
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Even more
Check out some more of my favorite recipes:
🍽Get the recipe
Southern Summer Succotash with Bacon and Tomatoes
Equipment
- cast-iron skillet
- liquid measuring cup
- dry measuring cups
Ingredients
- 2 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen lima beans, thawed
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn (thawed) corn
- 1 to 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until browned and crisp. Remove the bacon to a paper towel to drain, reserving the drippings in the skillet. Crumble the bacon once cool enough to handle.
- Add the garlic to the drippings in the skillet and cook 30 seconds. Add the lima beans and corn and enough chicken broth to cover the vegetables.
- Simmer 20 minutes or until the lima beans are tender. (Add more broth or water if needed.)
- Once the lima beans are tender, add in the crumbled, cooked bacon, and the tomatoes. Sauté over medium-high heat until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir in the fresh basil just before serving.
Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips
When developing and testing recipes, here are some key things that I do for more success in the kitchen:
- Be sure to use dry measuring cups for things like flour, sugar, and mayonnaise and a liquid measuring cup for things like water, milk, and broth.
- When measuring dry ingredients like flour and powdered sugar that can pack down, spoon the ingredient into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife as opposed to scooping the measuring cup into the ingredient.
- I test and develop recipes using a standard electric oven and standard gas stovetop. Be aware that if you use an electric stovetop or convection oven, your bake times will be different.
- When recipes call for kosher salt, I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt.
Food safety
Finally, don't forget these food safety tips when making this recipe
- Fully cook the bacon until crisp.
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave the succotash out at room temperature for extended periods
- Keep a watchful eye on the bacon and the succotash as they cook
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
chara says
I love this, so easy and delicious. Thanks for sharing
AshleyFreeman says
Thanks so much for your note Chara! Glad you liked it!
Anjali says
This looks so tasty and easy to make too!! I'm definitely adding this to our 4th of July party menu - I'm sure our friends will love it!
AshleyFreeman says
Great! Hope you have a Happy 4th of July!
suja md says
Thanks for sharing such a healthy recipe.
AshleyFreeman says
Of course! I love all the veggies in this one.
kushi says
Love the combination of ingredients used in this recipe. So flavorful and delicious. Thanks a lot for sharing.
AshleyFreeman says
Thanks so much Kushi! Everything's better with bacon 😉
Paula says
This succotash with bacon was absolutely incredible. My kids loved it too so it was a great way to serve up loads of veggies for them!
AshleyFreeman says
Now that's a win!
Traci says
You had me at bacon lol. And what a great way to jazz up succotash! Love how simple and packed with flavor this recipe is! Thanks for sharing!
AshleyFreeman says
I'm with you Traci! Everything's better with bacon!
Katherine says
This was my first succotash, and we loved the flavors!
AshleyFreeman says
Oh yay! I love how it packs in so many different vegetables. Also bacon.
Elizabeth says
Yummy! I can't wait to take this to an upcoming BBQ. I really appreciate the variation ideas you listed. So helpful! Thanks for the recipe.
AshleyFreeman says
Great! Can't wait to hear what you think!
TAYLER ROSS says
I made this bacon succotash with dinner last night and it was delicious! A great side dish for any meal!
AshleyFreeman says
Oh yay! Yes, it's an all-in-one side so great with so many things!