What’s in this Bourbon Bacon Green Beans recipe?
This green beans recipe with bacon is my favorite for Thanksgiving! It’s so quick and easy to make in a skillet on the stovetop, and it’s just delicious.
Green Beans: For the best flavor and a nice crisp bite, use fresh green beans for this recipe. Clean and trim the ends before cooking. Bacon: Chunky pieces of bacon add texture and delicious flavor. Onion: Use sweet yellow onion, diced. Garlic: Minced garlic adds savory, aromatic flavor. I used 1 clove, but you can add as much as you like. Bourbon: A few tablespoons of bourbon adds a splash of rich flavor, with a hint of sweet vanilla. Brown Sugar: This adds a deep, sweet flavor to the green beans. I recommend using dark brown sugar! Water: This helps to steam the green beans as they cook in the skillet. Spices: Use a little bit of salt and pepper to taste, and some red pepper flakes to add a little heat.
Pro Tip: Be sure to keep the bacon grease in the skillet after it finishes cooking because you’ll want to use it to cook the green beans, onion, and garlic!
Variations on Green Beans with Bacon
Cooking these bacon green beans in a skillet is so simple, and you can make a few quick swaps to make it work for you. Add pre-cooked bacon crumbles at the end, instead of cooking your bacon at the start. You can use olive oil or butter instead of bacon grease. And chicken broth can be used instead of water to help steam the beans. You can also add caramelized onions for even more flavor–just sauté longer, or make them ahead of time. If you’re looking for more add-in ideas, try adding feta crumbles or chopped and toasted nuts to serve.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover green beans and bacon in an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet on the stove until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Freeze skillet green beans in an airtight, freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They will taste best if eaten within 4 months. Thaw them overnight in the freezer before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen (though they will take longer to warm through).
Serving Suggestions (Green Beans for Thanksgiving!)
This green beans recipe is the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and holidays! The mix of brown sugar, bacon, and bourbon create a cozy flavor that complements main dishes like honey baked ham, Thanksgiving turkey, beef tenderloin, and stuffed pork loin.
More Green Beans Recipes We Love
Green Bean Casserole Creamed Green Beans Cheesy Baked Green Beans Loaded Green Bean Casserole Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles