Bacon Green Bean Bundles are a delightful combination of tender green beans wrapped in crispy, savory bacon. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or a flavorful side dish that can elevate any meal. The balance of sweet, smoky, and slightly crunchy textures makes it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8-10 slices of bacon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans:Â Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain the beans and transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Bundles:Â Take 6-8 green beans and bundle them together. Wrap a slice of bacon around the center of each bundle, securing the ends underneath to hold it in place. Place the bundles on the prepared baking sheet with the seam side down.
- Make the Glaze:Â In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and soy sauce if using. Brush this glaze generously over the green bean bundles.
- Bake:Â Bake the bundles in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the green beans are tender. Turn the broiler on for the last 1-2 minutes if needed to crisp up the bacon further.
- Serve:Â Remove the bundles from the oven and let them cool slightly before transferring them to a serving platter.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving:Â These Bacon Green Bean Bundles are best served warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and the bacon regains its crispiness.
- Make-Ahead Tip:Â Assemble the bundles and glaze them a day in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before using. Fresh green beans provide a better texture, but frozen beans work in a pinch.
2. How can I make this dish healthier?
You can use turkey bacon or center-cut bacon for a lower-fat option and reduce the amount of brown sugar in the glaze.
3. Can I add other seasonings to the glaze?
Absolutely! Feel free to add smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or a splash of maple syrup for a unique flavor twist.
4. What dishes pair well with Bacon Green Bean Bundles?
These bundles complement roasted chicken, steak, or a holiday turkey beautifully. They also work well alongside mashed potatoes or rice pilaf.
Bacon Green Bean Bundles
These Bacon Green Bean Bundles are a savory and delicious side dish that’s perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or any special occasion. Tender green beans are wrapped in crispy bacon, then glazed with a sweet and savory sauce for a dish that’s both simple and impressive.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Bundles:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8 slices of bacon (thin-cut, not thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain again and pat dry.
- Prepare the Bacon: Cut each slice of bacon in half to make 16 shorter slices.
- Wrap the Bundles: Gather 6-8 green beans into a bundle and wrap one half-slice of bacon around the middle. Secure with a toothpick if needed and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining beans and bacon.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the glaze generously over the bundles. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the bundles from the oven, discard any toothpicks, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle the bundles with a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking.
- You can prepare the bundles and glaze ahead of time, then bake just before serving.