Bourbon Bacon Skillet Green Beans

This skillet of green beans isn’t your average side dish. A sweet glaze of bourbon and brown sugar paired with crisp, smoky bacon transforms everyday green beans into something truly memorable. With garlic, onions, and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, it’s a bold twist on a classic Southern favorite.

Perfect for holiday dinners or even a fancy weeknight meal, these green beans come together in just 20 minutes. The combination of salty, sweet, and savory makes them incredibly addictive—and they’re cooked in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. This is the kind of recipe that turns green bean skeptics into believers!

Full Recipe:

4 strips bacon, diced
1 medium sweet yellow onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
¼ cup water
3 tablespoons bourbon
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar

Directions:

Cut bacon into ½-inch pieces. In a large 12-inch skillet, cook until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the grease in the pan.
Add diced onion to the bacon grease and sauté over medium heat until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 15–30 seconds, just until aromatic.
Add trimmed green beans, pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until they begin to blister and brown slightly.
Pour in the water, cover the skillet, and let the beans steam for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Uncover, add bourbon and brown sugar, and cook another 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until beans are caramelized and tender-crisp.
Taste and adjust salt if needed. Sprinkle cooked bacon over top before serving. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 199 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

History and Origin

Green beans themselves have a long and diverse culinary history. Originally cultivated in Central and South America over 7,000 years ago, they spread through Europe via early explorers and eventually made their way into American kitchens. Their versatility and mild flavor made them a staple across various cuisines—boiled in French kitchens, steamed in Chinese stir-fries, or baked into casseroles in the United States.

But it’s the Southern U.S. that gave green beans their smoky, indulgent twist with bacon. Southern-style green beans are typically slow-cooked with pork fat or ham hocks, turning a basic vegetable into something soul-satisfying and full of flavor. The addition of bourbon, another Southern culinary icon, elevates this traditional method to something even more special. Bourbon’s warm, vanilla-caramel notes pair beautifully with dark brown sugar and the salty richness of bacon.

This skillet recipe is a modern homage to these Southern roots. It takes inspiration from traditional slow-cooked green beans but quickens the process and layers in complex flavors without compromising on comfort. It’s a dish that speaks to both tradition and innovation—perfect for food lovers who appreciate heritage with a twist.

Variations and Adaptations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility. You can keep the spirit of bourbon bacon green beans while tailoring it to fit different dietary preferences, seasonal ingredients, or cultural influences.

Vegetarian Version: While bacon is a signature flavor component, you can easily substitute it with smoked paprika, toasted pecans, or even vegetarian bacon alternatives. Adding a splash of liquid smoke and olive oil will also help retain that characteristic Southern savoriness.
Maple Glaze Instead of Brown Sugar: For a richer, natural sweetness, some home cooks swap brown sugar for real maple syrup. This deepens the flavor and adds a slightly earthy undertone.
Add Cheese or Nuts: Crumbled feta or goat cheese offers a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness, while toasted almonds or pecans add a delightful crunch.
Make It Spicier: The red pepper flakes give a gentle kick, but feel free to amp it up with fresh jalapeños or chipotle powder for a smoky heat.
Regional Twists: In the Midwest, green beans are often paired with mushrooms or cream sauces. In the Southwest, you might see them with roasted corn and chili flakes. And in New England? Maybe with apple cider vinegar for a tangy edge.

Don’t be afraid to get creative—this dish welcomes experimentation while still maintaining its bold core flavors.

Nutritional Information

Despite its indulgent reputation, Bourbon Bacon Skillet Green Beans offer a decent nutritional profile, especially when served in moderation and as part of a balanced meal.

A standard serving (about 1 cup) provides approximately:

Calories: ~199 kcal
Protein: 5 grams
Fat: 9 grams (mostly from bacon)
Carbohydrates: 19 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Sugar: 13 grams

Micronutrient highlights:

Vitamin C: Green beans are an excellent source, supporting immune health and collagen production.
Vitamin A: Contributes to vision and skin health.
Potassium: Important for heart and muscle function.
Iron & Calcium: While present in smaller amounts, they contribute to energy and bone health.

While the bacon and sugar increase the fat and carb count, remember that green beans themselves are low-calorie and high in fiber and micronutrients. The key here is balance—pairing this dish with lean protein and whole grains can make for a well-rounded meal.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It’s perfect as a holiday side dish, of course—Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even Easter—but it’s also welcome at Sunday dinners or upscale weeknight meals.

Best main course pairings:

Roast Turkey or Chicken: The smoky-sweet flavor balances beautifully with poultry.
Beef Tenderloin or Pork Loin: Rich meats stand up well to the bold flavors in the dish.
Baked Salmon: For a lighter pairing, the caramelized edges of the green beans work well with the delicate flakiness of salmon.

Wine & drink pairings:

Chardonnay or Viognier: These whites complement the bourbon and brown sugar glaze.
Pinot Noir: A light red with subtle earthy notes that won’t overpower the beans.
Classic Southern Sweet Tea or a bourbon cocktail like an Old Fashioned? You bet.

And don’t underestimate how incredible this dish is in leftovers—reheat it with a fried egg and crusty toast for a next-day brunch that sings.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Making this dish is simple, but a few pro tips can ensure you absolutely nail it every time:

Don’t Overcook the Bacon: You want it crispy but not burnt. Remove it just as it reaches golden brown to retain texture when added back at the end.
Use Fresh Green Beans: Frozen will work, but fresh beans hold their texture better and develop a more complex flavor when sautéed.
Deglaze Wisely: After sautéing the onions and garlic, scraping the brown bits from the skillet when you add bourbon adds layers of flavor to the beans.
Use a Lid: Covering the skillet for the 2-minute steam phase ensures perfectly tender beans without overcooking.
Stir Often After Adding Sugar: The brown sugar can burn quickly. Keep the beans moving to ensure even coating and caramelization.
Don’t Skip the Red Pepper Flakes: Even if you’re not a heat lover, a pinch adds contrast that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Potential Health Benefits

This dish may seem indulgent, but it does come with some notable health perks—especially thanks to the green beans.

Green Beans are high in fiber, which supports digestion and helps regulate blood sugar. They’re also rich in antioxidants like flavonols and vitamin C.
Garlic and Onion offer antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They’re known to support immune function and may contribute to heart health.
Bourbon, when used in small amounts in cooking, adds flavor without significant nutritional impact. Since the alcohol mostly cooks off, you get the taste without the buzz—or the calories.
Bacon offers protein and B vitamins, though it should be enjoyed in moderation. Choosing nitrate-free or uncured varieties can help reduce processed ingredient concerns.

It’s all about context and balance. Enjoying this dish with nutrient-rich sides and lean protein makes it part of a deliciously wholesome plate.

Conclusion

Bourbon Bacon Skillet Green Beans prove that a side dish can be both simple and showstopping. They’re quick to prepare, packed with bold Southern-inspired flavors, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or just craving something a little extra with dinner, this recipe is a reliable crowd-pleaser.

So pull out that skillet, grab a good pour of bourbon (one for the pan and maybe one for the chef), and watch those green beans become the star of the meal. Once you make them, you’ll wonder how you ever did without them.