There's something so irresistible about the sizzle of bacon meeting fresh green beans—the smoky aroma, the crispiness wrapped up in a tender bundle. This Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe is a show stopper for any meal, bringing a touch of indulgence to your veggies that’s surprisingly simple and downright delicious.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve brought this dish to family dinners or casual get-togethers and had people ask for seconds—sometimes more! It’s that perfect balance between savory bacon and crisp-tender green beans, all glazed in a buttery, sweet, garlicky coating that keeps everyone coming back.
- Effortless elegance: You take just a few simple ingredients and turn them into a fancy-looking dish that’s actually super easy to pull off.
- Perfect balance of flavors: The smokiness of bacon meets a subtle sweetness and garlicky punch, perfectly complementing fresh green beans.
- Customizable and forgiving: Whether you like yours extra crispy or just lightly caramelized, you can tweak cooking times easily.
- Great for any occasion: From weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, this recipe fits right in and always impresses.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe is all about simple ingredients playing off one another. Fresh green beans are the crispy, bright star, while the bacon adds that irresistible savory crunch. Butter and brown sugar substitute form the glossy, flavorful glaze, with garlic powder and seasoning pulling everything together for that perfect bite.
- Fresh green beans: Always opt for fresh to keep that satisfying snap—frozen can work in a pinch but fresh delivers the best texture.
- Bacon: Thin-cut is my go-to because it crisps perfectly; thick-cut can be a bit chewy if not cooked long enough.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the glaze stick to the bacon and beans.
- Brown sugar substitute: Gives you that caramelized sweetness without overpowering the smokiness.
- Garlic powder: The subtle garlicky note makes every bite flavorful without being too strong.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that truly brightens all the flavors.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Sometimes I’ll add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra smoky kick or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if I’m craving a little heat. Don’t hesitate to play around with it to find your perfect flavor combo!
- Variation: I often swap the brown sugar substitute for honey or maple syrup when I want a more natural sweetness—and it works beautifully!
- Dietary modification: For a lower-fat version, try turkey bacon or a leaner bacon substitute, though the flavor and texture will vary.
- Seasonal touch: In winter, adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary over the bundles before roasting adds a lovely earthy note.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Green Beans and Bacon
First things first, I wash and dry about a pound of fresh green beans, snapping or trimming off the ends until they’re all neatly ready to go. Then, I take a thin strip of bacon and carefully wrap around 5 to 10 of these green beans, rolling tightly so the bacon sticks well. Placing them seam-side down on a wire rack gives the bacon a chance to crisp all around without sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Whip Up the Glaze
While those bundles sit prettily on the rack, melt butter in a small saucepan, then stir in your brown sugar substitute and garlic powder until everything’s smoothly blended. This glaze is what makes the bacon shine and adds that subtle sweet-savory allure. Brush it evenly over each bundle, then sprinkle a touch of salt and pepper on top.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
I cover the entire pan loosely with foil to trap moisture at first and roast at 400°F (about 200°C) for 35 minutes. This helps make sure the green beans get tender without drying out. Then, I remove the foil and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the bacon crisps up beautifully and the glaze caramelizes. Keep an eye on it—it’s okay to adjust timing slightly depending on your oven and preferred bacon crispiness.
Top Tip
After making this Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe a dozen times, I've picked up a few tricks that keep it foolproof and extra tasty. Here’s the lowdown so your bundles come out perfect every time.
- Use a wire rack: Placing your bundles on a wire rack during baking prevents soggy bottoms and lets the bacon crisp evenly all around.
- Don’t skimp on drying the beans: Any excess water can steam your bacon instead of crisping it, so give them a thorough dry before wrapping.
- Brush the glaze generously: That buttery glaze is key to flavor and appearance—coat each bundle well for the best caramelization results.
- Check your bacon type: Thin-cut works best; thick-cut bacon might take longer and can dry out the beans if overcooked trying to crisp the bacon.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or some chopped fresh parsley right before serving. The salt enhances that smoky bacon goodness, while parsley brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh pop of color. Sometimes a tiny sprinkle of lemon zest over the top adds a wonderful lift, too.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with hearty mains like roasted chicken, steak, or even a simple baked potato. I love serving it alongside mashed potatoes or creamy risotto for a comforting, well-rounded meal. It’s also great for holiday spreads where you want to impress without slaving over complicated sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve wrapped these bundles in smaller sizes and presented them as edible appetizers on cocktail picks—always a crowd favorite! You can also stack them on a platter in a circular arrangement, drizzled with a little balsamic glaze for a pretty contrast and extra zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I make sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to keep the bacon from steaming and losing its crispness. When it's time to enjoy again, the flavor is still just as delicious!
Freezing
If I ever have extras, I wrap the bundles tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them on a baking sheet first to freeze individually. Then I transfer them to a sealed freezer bag so I can pull out just what I need. When you’re ready to reheat, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To keep the bacon crisp, I reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven set around 350°F for 10-15 minutes instead of a microwave. This warms everything through perfectly while reviving some of that original crisp texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Frozen green beans can work, but fresh beans are best for texture. If you use frozen, thaw and dry them very well first to avoid sogginess. Avoid canned beans, as they get mushy during roasting.
Thin-cut bacon crisps up faster and more evenly, which makes it ideal for wrapping around green beans. Thick-cut bacon can take longer to cook and might not crisp as well before the beans become too soft.
Roll the bacon tightly around the green beans and place the bundles seam-side down on a wire rack. This position helps keep the bacon secure and prevents unwrapping while cooking. You can also gently press down when placing on the rack if needed.
Yes! You can assemble the bundles a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just add the butter glaze right before roasting to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe has become one of my go-to sides whenever I want to add a bit of wow factor to dinner without fussing over complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to make, plus it pairs with so many main dishes. I honestly think once you try it, it’ll be a favorite in your kitchen too—so roll up those green beans, grab some bacon, and let’s get cooking!
Print
Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bacon Wrapped Green Beans feature fresh green beans bundled in crispy bacon, coated with a flavorful butter, brown sugar substitute, and garlic powder glaze, then roasted to perfection. This savory side dish balances smoky bacon with tender green beans, perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Green Bean Bundles
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 6 slices bacon
Glaze
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place a wire rack on a large cookie sheet to allow even cooking of the bundles.
- Prepare Green Beans: Wash and dry the green beans, then trim off the ends. Group about 5 to 10 green beans and lay them onto one slice of bacon, then roll the bacon around the beans to form a bundle. Place each bundle seam side down on the wire rack. Repeat until all green beans are wrapped.
- Make Glaze: Melt the butter in a saucepan over the stove. Stir in the brown sugar substitute and garlic powder until well combined. Remove from heat and brush the glaze generously over the tops of the bacon-wrapped green bean bundles. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast Covered: Cover the cookie sheet with foil and roast the bundles in the preheated oven for 35 minutes to cook the beans and render the bacon fat.
- Roast Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue roasting for an additional 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the green beans are tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the bacon wrapped green beans warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Fresh green beans are preferred for the best texture, but frozen green beans can be used if thawed and dried well.
- Thin cut bacon crisps better; thick cut bacon may not achieve the same crispy texture.
- Do not use canned green beans as they may become mushy during roasting.
- Use a wire rack to allow air circulation around the bundles for even cooking and crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
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