If you’re looking for a side dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and just the right amount of indulgence, you absolutely must try this Bourbon-Glazed Green Beans with Bacon and Caramelized Onion Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender green beans cooked to crisp-tender perfection, smoky crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and a luscious bourbon-infused glaze that brings everything together in a truly unforgettable way. This dish strikes a perfect balance between savory, sweet, and a hint of heat, making it a standout addition to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—each component in this recipe plays a crucial role in layering the flavors and textures, creating a uniquely satisfying side dish that’s anything but ordinary.
- Bacon (4 strips, diced): Crispy bacon adds smoky crunch and a savory depth.
- Sweet yellow onion (1 medium, diced): Slowly caramelizes to deliver natural sweetness and richness.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Infuses the dish with a subtle aromatic punch.
- Green beans (1 pound, trimmed and cleaned): The vibrant star of the recipe, crisp and fresh.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon, freshly ground): Offers mild heat and complexity.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (⅛ teaspoon or to taste): Adds just a touch of spicy warmth.
- Water (¼ cup): Helps steam the beans just enough to keep their bright green color and tender-crisp texture.
- Bourbon (3 tablespoons): Brings rich caramel notes to the glaze for an irresistible finish.
- Dark brown sugar (3 tablespoons): Balances the savory ingredients with its deep molasses sweetness.
How to Make Bourbon-Glazed Green Beans with Bacon and Caramelized Onion Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Begin by cutting your bacon into half-inch pieces. Place them in a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat and cook until they become crisp but not burnt. This step is essential as the crispy bacon will provide a contrasting texture and smoky punch to your green beans. Remove the bacon from the skillet and save the bacon grease for cooking the onions—this keeps all the delicious flavors in one pan!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Using the reserved bacon grease, add the diced sweet yellow onion to the pan and sauté gently until it turns translucent and beautifully soft. This slow cooking process helps caramelize the onions a bit, unlocking their natural sweetness. Next, stir in the minced garlic just long enough for it to “bloom” and release its aroma—about 15 to 30 seconds. Garlic cooks quickly, so be careful not to let it burn!
Step 3: Cook the Green Beans with Seasonings
Now is the time to add your cleaned green beans, along with black pepper, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll notice the green beans start developing those little brown spots, bringing a lovely roasted flavor and crisp texture to the dish. The slight spiciness from the red pepper flakes will perk up your taste buds without overpowering the other ingredients.
Step 4: Steam to Tender-Crisp Perfection
Add a quarter cup of water to the skillet and immediately cover it. Let the green beans steam for about 2 minutes. This step helps maintain their vibrant green color and provides a tender-crisp bite that makes this dish feel fresh and lively rather than soggy or overcooked.
Step 5: Create the Bourbon Glaze
Remove the lid and pour in the bourbon along with the dark brown sugar. Stir everything continuously for 4 to 5 minutes as the liquid reduces and thickens into a glistening, caramelized glaze. The bourbon’s smoky sweetness combined with the brown sugar forms the star glaze that gives this recipe its signature flavor and shine. Keep stirring so nothing sticks or burns, and watch how those bright green beans soak up the rich glaze.
Step 6: Final Seasoning Check
Give your green beans a careful taste. This is your chance to tweak the salt or add a pinch more pepper if needed. The seasonings should balance perfectly with the bacon, onions, and the boozy glaze, so trust your palate to guide you here.
Step 7: Add the Crispy Bacon Garnish
Finally, sprinkle those perfectly crisped bacon pieces you set aside earlier back on top of the beans. The contrast of textures—the caramelized and tender beans with crispy bacon bits—truly completes the dish and makes it irresistible.
Step 8: ENJOY!
Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors that make this Bourbon-Glazed Green Beans with Bacon and Caramelized Onion Recipe such a cherished favorite at any table.
How to Serve Bourbon-Glazed Green Beans with Bacon and Caramelized Onion Recipe
Garnishes
To take this dish up a notch, you can add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or slivered almonds for an extra crunch. Freshly chopped parsley or chives bring a pop of color and a hint of freshness that works beautifully alongside the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs fantastically with roasted meats like grilled chicken, pork chops, or steak. It also complements hearty mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto, elevating your entire meal with its deliciously sweet and smoky profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, serve these bourbon-glazed green beans in a rustic cast iron skillet right at the table to showcase their beautiful glaze and bacon bits. Alternatively, lay them out on a large platter topped with extra caramelized onions and crispy bacon for a sharing-worthy feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Bourbon-Glazed Green Beans with Bacon and Caramelized Onion Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy that same fantastic flavor even the next day.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for preserving the crisp texture of the green beans or the bacon’s crunch, you can freeze the cooked beans separately without the bacon. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This helps maintain the glaze’s luscious texture and prevents the bacon from getting soggy like a microwave might cause.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans for this recipe?
Fresh green beans are best because they provide that crisp-tender texture and vibrant color, but you can use frozen beans if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Is the bourbon flavor very strong in the dish?
The bourbon adds a subtle smoky sweetness rather than an overpowering alcohol taste. Most of the alcohol cooks off during simmering, leaving behind a rich caramelized depth that enhances the glaze.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can definitely omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. To keep some smokiness, try adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the onion sauté. You can also use olive oil instead of bacon grease for sautéing.
What if I don’t have dark brown sugar on hand?
Light brown sugar or even raw sugar can work as substitutes. The key is the molasses content, so try to use a sugar that lends that deep caramel flavor, but you can still get good results without dark brown sugar.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth to balance the sweetness and savory flavors. If you prefer no heat, feel free to skip them or reduce the amount to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Bourbon-Glazed Green Beans with Bacon and Caramelized Onion Recipe is one of those dishes that can brighten up any meal—a perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory with incredible texture contrasts. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this recipe is sure to impress and become a new classic on your table. Give it a try and savor every delicious bite!
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Bourbon-Glazed Green Beans with Bacon and Caramelized Onion Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful Green Beans recipe enhanced with crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, garlic, bourbon, and a touch of brown sugar. This savory side dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy notes, ideal for elevating your meal with a satisfying crunch and vibrant green beans cooked to tender crispness.
Ingredients
Meat
- 4 strips bacon, diced and cooked until crispy
Vegetables
- 1 medium sweet yellow onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 pound green beans, cleaned and ends trimmed
Spices & Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
Liquids & Others
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Cut bacon into ½” pieces and place in a 12-inch skillet. Cook over medium heat until crisp but not burned. Remove bacon from skillet, saving the bacon grease. Set bacon aside as a garnish.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion to the skillet with bacon grease and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for about 15-30 seconds until it softens and releases its aroma.
- Cook Green Beans and Season: Add green beans, black pepper, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes over medium heat until green beans start to brown slightly.
- Steam Green Beans: Add ¼ cup water to the skillet and cover. Cook for 2 minutes to steam the beans, keeping them bright green and crisp-tender.
- Add Bourbon and Brown Sugar: Uncover and stir in bourbon and dark brown sugar. Cook uncovered for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until the beans are barely crisp and the mixture is caramelized.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the green beans and add additional salt if necessary to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the cooked green beans with the reserved crispy bacon pieces and serve immediately.
- Enjoy: Relish this savory and sweet green beans side dish that complements any main course.
Notes
- Use fresh green beans and trim the ends for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of bourbon and brown sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet or less boozy flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
- Make sure not to overcook the green beans to maintain their bright color and crisp texture.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice or extra water.
