There's just something incredibly satisfying about combining smoky bacon with crisp green beans, creating a perfect balance of flavor and crunch. This Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe turns a simple veggie side into a crowd-pleasing star that’s as tasty as it is pretty on the plate.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve seriously fallen for this Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe because it takes no more than an hour but makes any meal feel special. Between the crispy bacon and buttery beans, it’s like the ultimate comfort appetizer or side.
- Flavor explosion: Smoky bacon combined with seasoned green beans creates irresistible layers of taste.
- Easy to prep: Just bundle and wrap—the simplicity is perfect even for beginners or busy weeknights.
- Textural delight: The green beans stay tender with a bit of snap, while the bacon crisps to perfection.
- Versatile crowd-pleaser: Works beautifully as a side for dinner parties, holidays, or everyday meals.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Let’s talk ingredients because they each play a starring role here. Fresh green beans bring that bright snap, while bacon adds richness and crispness. Butter and brown sugar balance savory with a touch of sweetness, making the combos sing.
- Fresh green beans: Crisp and bright, fresh is best for texture; I always trim the ends myself for the freshest bite.
- Bacon slices: Thin-cut bacon crisps up beautifully, which is key here; thick bacon can stay chewy.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps everything caramelize nicely when baking.
- Brown sugar substitute: Provides a subtle sweetness that cuts through the saltiness of the bacon without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Infuses warmth and depth without overpowering the green beans’ natural flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Classic seasoning to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Make It Your Way
I love putting my own little twists on this Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe. It’s really flexible, so feel free to swap seasonings or try different wraps. This is a recipe that easily adapts to whatever you have on hand or your flavor cravings.
- Variation: I once swapped garlic powder for smoked paprika for a smoky, slightly spicy kick, and it worked wonders with the bacon.
- Diet-friendly: Going keto or low-carb? This recipe fits perfectly, just be sure to choose your brown sugar substitute wisely.
- Seasonal swap: In spring, adding blanched asparagus instead of some of the beans adds freshness and variety.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Bundle the Beans
Start by washing your green beans and trimming off the stem ends—that little step makes a big difference in bite size and texture. Next, grab about 5 to 10 beans per bundle depending on their size and lay them along one strip of bacon. Then, roll the bacon tightly around the green bean bundle and set these seam side down on a wire rack placed over a cookie sheet. This helps the bacon crisp evenly as it cooks.
Step 2: Make the Butter Glaze
Melt the butter on the stove and whisk in the brown sugar substitute and garlic powder until smooth and fragrant. This glaze seasons the bundles and caramelizes in the oven, so don’t skip it. Brush it generously over the tops of each bundle, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. It’s the secret to that perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory.
Step 3: Bake and Crisp
Cover the pan with foil and roast in a 400°F oven for 35 minutes—this steams the beans inside while letting the flavors meld. Then, remove the foil and continue roasting for another 10–15 minutes until the bacon crisps up beautifully and the beans are tender yet still have a nice snap. Keep an eye near the end so the bacon doesn’t burn—every oven is a little different!
Top Tip
After making this Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few key tips that'll make your experience even better.
- Use a wire rack: It lets the bacon fat drip and helps bacon crisp rather than steam on the bottom.
- Don’t over-pack bundles: Keep the bundles loose enough so the bacon can crisp everywhere, but tight enough to hold the beans securely.
- Brush glaze generously: The butter and sugar glaze is what ties it all together, so don’t skim on this step.
- Watch cooking times: Start checking for doneness around 45 minutes to prevent overcooking and soggy bacon.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
I like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a touch of grated Parmesan to add a pop of color and fresh flavor right before serving. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon just brightens things up as well.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a comforting mash. I’ve served it alongside garlic mashed potatoes and it was a guaranteed hit every time.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or special dinners, I’ve arranged the bundles standing up in a shallow dish lined with fresh herbs—it makes the bacon pop visually and adds aroma. They look stunning on a holiday buffet or as part of a festive appetizer platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover bundles in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found they keep well for about 3-4 days and reheating gently keeps them tasty.
Freezing
For freezing, wrap the bundles individually in parchment first, then place in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months, and thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating works best to keep texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the oven (about 350°F for 10-15 minutes) or an air fryer to revive crispiness. Microwaving can make the bacon soggy, so I avoid it unless I’m in a rush.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Fresh green beans are preferred because they hold their texture better when baked and wrapped in bacon. Frozen green beans can work if you thaw and pat them very dry, but avoid canned as they’ll become mushy.
Thin-cut bacon is ideal here because it crisps up nicely without staying chewy. Thick-cut bacon tends to take longer to crisp and can remain tough, which affects the overall texture and enjoyment.
Yes! You can assemble the bacon-wrapped green bean bundles a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. When ready to serve, just brush on the butter mixture and bake as directed for fresh flavor and crispy bacon.
Look for a deep golden brown color and a firm texture when gently pressed with tongs. The bacon should sizzle and have no soft or chewy spots. Cooking times vary, so start checking after the foil comes off and adjust as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration every time I make it. It’s straightforward, delicious, and a total showstopper on the table. You’ll impress guests and satisfy family alike, and honestly, I keep it in my recipe rotation simply because it never disappoints. Give it a try—you might find your new favorite side!
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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
Delicious bacon wrapped green beans offer a savory and slightly sweet side dish perfect for any meal. Fresh green beans are bundled in crispy, thin-cut bacon and brushed with a flavorful butter glaze featuring garlic and brown sugar substitute before roasting to tender perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 prepare for roasting.
- Prepare Green Beans: Wash and dry the green beans, trimming off the ends. Bundle 5-10 green beans together and lay them on a strip of bacon. Roll the bacon tightly around the green bean bundle and place it seam side down on the wire rack. Repeat until all green beans are wrapped.
- Make Glaze: Melt the butter in a saucepan on the stovetop. Stir in the brown sugar substitute and garlic powder until well combined. Remove from heat.
- Brush and Season: Using a brush, coat the top of each bacon-wrapped green bean bundle with the butter glaze. Sprinkle with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Roast with Foil: Cover the baking sheet with foil and roast in the oven for 35 minutes to allow beans to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Finish Roasting: Remove the foil and continue roasting for an additional 15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the green beans are tender.
Notes
- Fresh green beans yield the best texture, but frozen green beans can be used if needed. Avoid canned green beans as they may become mushy when cooked.
- Thin-cut bacon crisps better in this recipe; thick-cut bacon may not achieve the desired crispness.
- Using a brown sugar substitute keeps the dish lower in sugar without sacrificing sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 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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