If you are searching for the perfect side dish that brings a burst of flavor and irresistible texture to your table, look no further than the Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe. This delightful combination of crisp green beans, smoky bacon, and a touch of buttery sweetness makes for a crowd-pleaser every time. It’s not just a dish; it’s a way to elevate humble vegetables into a mouthwatering treat that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a key role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures in the Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe. From fresh green beans providing crispness and color, to bacon delivering smoky richness and the brown sugar adding an irresistible caramelized sweetness, every component is essential.
- 1 lb fresh green beans: Choose firm, bright green beans for the best crunch and fresh flavor.
- 4 slices thick bacon: Thick-cut bacon stands up well to roasting and adds wonderful smokiness.
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter: Adds a rich, silky base to coat the bundles and helps marry the seasonings.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper: Offers a mild heat and depth to the seasoning mix.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Brings warmth and a subtle savory note to round things out.
- 2 Tbsp light brown sugar: Sprinkled on top to create a caramelized glaze during roasting.
How to Make Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for cooking the bacon through evenly without burning it, while also allowing the green beans to become tender yet crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans
Trim the ends off the fresh green beans for a clean finish. Blanching is crucial here — briefly cooking them in boiling water for two minutes locks in their vibrant green color and crisp texture. Immediately plunging them into ice water stops the cooking process, preventing them from becoming mushy later on.
Step 3: Partially Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices just long enough to start browning but remain flexible — about 5 to 6 minutes. This step ensures the bacon crisps beautifully in the oven without overcooking or burning. Once done, drain on paper towels and cut each slice in half for manageable wrapping.
Step 4: Make the Butter Seasoning
Gently melt the unsalted butter in a small pan set over medium-low heat. Stir in kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until combined. This savory butter will infuse each bundle with rich flavor and add a glossy sheen that’s simply irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble the Bundles
Gather about six green beans and wrap them snugly in a half slice of bacon. Position the bundles seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Repeat until all your green beans and bacon halves are paired up, setting the stage for roasting perfection.
Step 6: Add Brown Sugar and Butter
Sprinkle a generous pinch of light brown sugar over each bundle — this little touch will melt into a caramelized glaze during baking. Then drizzle the seasoned butter mixture over the bundles, ensuring every nook gets a bit of that buttery, garlicky goodness.
Step 7: Roast to Perfection
Place the bundles in the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until the bacon is cooked through and beautifully browned. The sweetness of the brown sugar will combine with the savory bacon and tender green beans to create a trio of flavors that’s nothing short of magic. Serve them immediately to enjoy the full crunch and warmth.
How to Serve Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the bundles. This adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish and contrasts wonderfully with the rich bacon.
Side Dishes
These bundles pair perfectly with almost anything from roasted chicken to grilled steak. They add a crunchy, savory side to complement creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad, making them a versatile addition to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving these bundles on a wooden board or slate platter for a rustic-chic look at your next gathering. Wrapping each bundle with a little twine or tipping them into mini serving dishes can make your presentation extra special for guests or holiday dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover green bean bundles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them chilled helps preserve both the crispness of the green beans and the flavor of the bacon.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked bundles by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers without losing that crispy bacon texture, pop the bundles in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. This method warms the beans and crisps the bacon back up beautifully, unlike microwaving which can make bacon soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Fresh green beans are preferred because they hold up better to blanching and roasting, keeping that satisfying crunch. However, if frozen is your only option, thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before assembling the bundles to avoid excess moisture.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe?
You can substitute the bacon with thin strips of smoked tempeh or a vegetarian bacon alternative to maintain the smoky flavor and texture for a delicious meat-free option.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
Pale or dark brown sugar is ideal for that caramelized glaze, but you can use white granulated sugar or even maple syrup for a slightly different yet tasty sweetness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in the Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe are naturally gluten-free, just be sure your bacon and seasonings don’t contain hidden gluten additives.
How many green beans should be in each bundle?
About six green beans per bundle strikes the perfect balance between having enough vegetable per bite and ensuring the bacon wraps securely around it for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
The Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe is such a fun and satisfying way to enjoy your veggies with a smoky, sweet twist. I truly hope you give these bundles a try because they turn any meal into a festive occasion. Whether for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become one of your favorites too!
Print
Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon are a delicious and easy appetizer or side dish, combining crisp-tender green beans with savory bacon and a sweet, buttery glaze. Blanched green beans are wrapped in partially cooked bacon, sprinkled with brown sugar, and roasted to perfection for a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh green beans
Meat
- 4 slices thick bacon
Seasonings and Others
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the bundles later.
- Blanch Green Beans: Trim the ends off the green beans. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the green beans, and cook for 2 minutes. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Drain and dry thoroughly on paper towels.
- Partially Cook Bacon: In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook the bacon slices for 5-6 minutes until they start to brown but remain pliable. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels. Cut each slice in half for wrapping.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the kosher salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble Bundles: Take about six green beans and wrap them securely with half a slice of bacon. Place each bundle seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining beans and bacon pieces.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the bundles evenly with light brown sugar and drizzle the butter mixture over them for a flavorful glaze.
- Roast Bundles: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is cooked through and browned to your liking. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Blanching the green beans helps them remain crisp yet tender after roasting.
- Partially cooking bacon before wrapping ensures it crisps nicely without overcooking the green beans.
- You can substitute brown sugar with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- These bundles can be prepared ahead and roasted just before serving.
