Green Bean Bacon Bundles

Tender green beans wrapped with bacon make a showy side dish that is surprisingly simple to pull together. With a buttery brown sugar glaze and that contrast of savory and sweet every bite feels special. Serve these bundles at your next gathering or treat your family to something beyond the usual veggie sides they will disappear fast

These became my go to for potlucks after I first made them for Thanksgiving. I still remember how quickly everyone asked for seconds

Ingredients

• Fresh green beans: look for ones that are vibrant and snap when bent not dull or limp you want about one pound trimmed
• Bacon: thin cut crisps up best and will wrap snugly around the beans use 10 to 12 slices cut in half
• Butter: melted brings richness and helps the glaze stick choose a high quality butter for better flavor
• Brown sugar: adds caramel notes to balance savory bacon choose soft moist sugar for easy mixing
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: freshly cracked pepper will give the brightest punch
• Optional garlic powder or pinch of red pepper flakes: if you like extra kick or aroma try these for layering flavor

When selecting green beans go for those without blemishes and bacon that’s neither too thin nor too thick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Green Beans:

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a full boil Add trimmed green beans and cook just until they turn vivid green and are slightly tender about two to three minutes Drain promptly and plunge them into an ice water bath to stop the cooking This sets their bright color and keeps them crisp Once chilled drain again and pat dry with a clean towel

Assemble the Bundles:

Gather five to six green beans and arrange them in a tidy bundle Take half a slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around the center of the bean bundle Tuck the seam underneath or secure it with a toothpick if you need Lay each bundle seam side down on a parchment lined baking sheet so the bacon stays put while baking

Glaze and Season:

In a small bowl stir melted butter and brown sugar until combined Brush this mixture generously over the top and sides of every green bean bundle Sprinkle each with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper If you want a little heat or savoriness now’s the time to dust with garlic powder or red pepper flakes

Bake:

Heat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit Use the center rack Bake the bundles uncovered for about twenty to twenty five minutes until the bacon turns crisp and brown and the beans are tender For extra crunch broil the tray for another one to two minutes at the end but keep a close eye they brown quickly

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I am always amazed how a little melted butter transforms these bundles from good to unforgettable Sometimes I sneak in a sliver extra when brushing the glaze for pure comfort

Storage Tips

Store cooked bundles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Warm them on a baking sheet at three hundred fifty degrees until hot and crispy again for about ten minutes If you want to freeze prep the bundles up to the point of baking then freeze on a tray move to a bag and bake straight from frozen adding a few minutes to the time

Ingredient Substitutions

For a turkey bacon or plant based bacon version just know the texture will be a bit different but still tasty Brown sugar can be swapped for maple syrup or honey for extra fragrance For smoky depth a sprinkle of smoked paprika works wonders

Serving Suggestions

These are a star on Thanksgiving tables and look beautiful next to glazed ham or roast chicken For cocktail parties serve them with small forks or toothpicks Warm bundles also make a fun addition to a brunch spread with quiche and roasted potatoes

Cultural and Holiday Roots

Green bean bundles have roots in Southern US cooking where bacon and green beans are a time honored pair The buttery sugar glaze nods to classic holiday flavors making this recipe especially popular at festive gatherings and big family dinners

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the green beans vibrant and crisp?

Blanching the beans in boiling water for a few minutes, then transferring to ice water, helps lock in color and keeps them tender-crisp.

→ Can I make the bundles ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bundles and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Add the glaze and bake just before serving.

→ Which bacon works best for wrapping?

Thin-cut bacon crisps up well and wraps easily around the green beans, resulting in a better texture and quicker cooking.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Try a sprinkle of garlic powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup also adds great sweetness.

→ How do I prevent the bundles from falling apart?

Wrap the bacon with the end tucked underneath or secure each bundle with a toothpick to hold everything together during baking.