Name: Skillet bourbon bacon green beans
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 strips bacon diced and cooked until crispy; ▢1 medium sweet yellow onion diced; ▢1 clove garlic minced; ▢1 pound green beans cleaned and ends trimmed; ▢½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground; ▢1 teaspoon kosher salt; ▢1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste; ▢¼ cup water; ▢3 tablespoons bourbon; ▢3 tablespoons dark brown sugar

The recipe combines green beans and bacon with garlic, onions, brown sugar, and a bourbon splash. Preparing green beans on the stovetop provides a fast method for cooking vegetables, with the process taking only 20 minutes for optimal results. This dish functions as a straightforward green bean side option for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or other holiday meals.

What’s in this Skillet bourbon bacon green beans?

This Bourbon Bacon Green Beans recipe combines savory bacon with fresh green beans. Home cooks prepare it quickly and easily using a single skillet on the stovetop. The dish has become a favorite addition to Thanksgiving dinner tables because of its simple preparation and excellent flavor profile.

Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the best choice for this recipe if you want the optimal flavor and a crisp texture. You need to clean them and trim off the ends before they go into the dish.
Bacon: cut into chunky pieces. Those pieces provide texture and a deep, savory flavor to the mix.
Onion: For the onion, dice a sweet yellow variety.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings a savory, aromatic quality to the recipe. We used one clove here, but you can increase that amount based on your preference.
Bourbon: A few tablespoons of bourbon are added to give the dish a rich flavor profile with a subtle note of sweet vanilla.
Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar is the recommended choice, as it contributes a deep, sweet flavor to the green beans.
Water: Water is necessary to create steam for the green beans as they cook down in the skillet.
Spices: To finish, season the dish with a little salt and pepper according to your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes will also introduce a mild heat.

Pro Tip: Keep the bacon grease in the skillet once the bacon finishes cooking. This fat is necessary for cooking the green beans, onion, and garlic.

Variations on Green Beans with Bacon

Cooking bacon green beans in a skillet is straightforward. Several quick adjustments can make the dish suit your preferences.

Add pre-cooked bacon crumbles at the end instead of cooking bacon at the beginning. Substitute olive oil or butter for the bacon grease. Use chicken broth in place of water to steam the beans. For deeper flavor, include caramelized onions by sautéing longer or preparing them in advance.

Other additions to consider are feta crumbles or chopped, toasted nuts when serving.

Should we cook bacon before adding to green beans?

Yes. The process begins with cooking the bacon completely and reserving it. Then, cook the green beans in the same skillet, reintroducing the bacon at the final stage.

How long does it take to cook this green beans in a skillet?

The total preparation time for this skillet green beans recipe is 20 minutes from start to finish. The beans require approximately 15 minutes of cooking time. For those who prefer softer green beans, adding a few extra minutes will achieve that texture.

Can we skip the bourbon?

The bourbon contributes a rich, deep sweetness with hints of vanilla and caramel that enhances the green beans and bacon. Whiskey can be substituted, or the ingredient can be omitted entirely, though using it is strongly recommended.

How do we trim green beans?

Fresh green beans require washing and trimming before cooking. A paring knife or Chef’s knife should be used to remove the stems and tough ends. For efficiency, gather a bundle of beans, align the stems, and cut them all at once.

Should we cover green beans while they cook on the stovetop?

Covering the skillet is only necessary for about 2 minutes during the cooking process, immediately after adding the water. This brief cover allows the beans to steam and soften slightly. For the remainder of the cook time, they should remain uncovered.

Can we make this recipe with frozen green beans?

Yes. Fresh green beans are preferred, but frozen beans work as a starting point. Thawing them beforehand will result in faster cooking. If cooking them directly from frozen, additional time will be needed.

How to Store and Reheat

Place any leftover green beans with bacon into a container that seals tightly. Keep this container in the refrigerator, and the dish will remain fresh for up to four days. To reheat, use a skillet placed on the stove and warm the beans until they are heated through.

How to Freeze

You can freeze these skillet green beans by placing them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag that prevents air from getting in. For the best flavor, consume them within four months of freezing. Before reheating, let the beans thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can reheat them directly from frozen, though this method requires a longer warming time.

Serving Suggestions (Green Beans for Thanksgiving!)

This particular green beans recipe works excellently as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holiday gatherings. The combination of brown sugar, bacon, and bourbon produces a rich, comforting taste. This flavor profile pairs well with main dishes such as honey baked ham, a Thanksgiving turkey, beef tenderloin, or stuffed pork loin.