If you are looking for a delightful, crowd-pleasing side dish that brings together crisp green beans and crispy, smoky bacon, this Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe is an absolute showstopper. Each tender bundle is lovingly wrapped in bacon, sprinkled with brown sugar for a subtle sweetness, and roasted to perfection, creating a beautiful harmony of savory, sweet, and crunchy textures that is sure to become one of your go-to recipes for any meal or special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each add their own magic to the dish. From fresh green beans providing vibrant color and crunch, to thick-cut bacon delivering that irresistible smoky flavor, every element plays a key role.
- 1 lb fresh green beans: Choose firm, bright green beans for the best texture and flavor.
- 4 slices thick bacon: Thick-cut ensures the bundles hold well and the bacon crisps nicely without burning.
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the seasonings meld beautifully with the bacon’s savory taste.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper: Offers a gentle spice that balances the sweetness of the sugar.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic quality that elevates every bite.
- 2 Tbsp light brown sugar: Provides a delicate caramelized sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the salty bacon.
How to Make Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature is ideal for roasting the bundles slowly enough to crisp the bacon without burning and to tenderize the green beans just right.
Step 2: Prepare the green beans
Trim the ends off your fresh green beans to remove any tough tips. Then blanch them by boiling for just two minutes to soften slightly, before plunging them into ice water to stop cooking immediately. This technique keeps the beans brilliantly green and perfectly crisp.
Step 3: Partially cook the bacon
In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook your bacon slices for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want them to just begin browning but remain pliable enough to wrap around the green beans without snapping. Drain and cut each slice in half for manageable bundle wrapping.
Step 4: Make the buttery seasoning
Gently melt the butter in a small pan set to medium-low heat. Stir in kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until fully combined. This buttery seasoning is the finishing touch that ensures every bite has a succulent, flavorful coating.
Step 5: Assemble the green bean bundles
Take about six green beans and wrap them securely within a half slice of bacon. Place the bundles seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all your green beans and bacon are bundled up neatly.
Step 6: Add sugar and butter
Sprinkle each bacon-wrapped bundle with the brown sugar, distributing it evenly. Then drizzle the browned butter seasoning generously over the top. These final touches create a beautiful balance of salty, sweet, and savory notes.
Step 7: Roast to perfection
Bake the bundles in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. The bacon should be cooked through, beautifully caramelized, and crispy, while the green beans inside remain tender but with a slight crunch. Serve these warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation and burst of freshness, sprinkle your green bean bundles with freshly chopped parsley or chives just before serving. A light zest of lemon can also add a lovely brightness that contrasts with the richness of the bacon.
Side Dishes
This Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe pairs beautifully with hearty mains like roasted chicken, glazed ham, or grilled steak. It’s also a fantastic festive side on holiday tables or family dinners where you want to impress without fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your bundles upright in a shallow bowl or perched on a platter with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a classy touch. You can even stack them like little towers to add dimension on your serving board – guaranteed to gather compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover green bean bundles taste wonderful the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the bacon crisp and beans tender.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked bundles. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for evenly warmed results.
Reheating
Reheat the bundles in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the bacon crisps back up. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bacon chewy and soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular green beans instead of fresh ones?
Fresh green beans give the best texture and flavor, but if you only have frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before assembling to avoid excess moisture.
Is it possible to bake the bundles without precooking the bacon?
Partially cooking the bacon first ensures it crisps up nicely without overcooking the green beans. Raw bacon may need longer to cook and could result in uneven texture.
How many green beans should I put in each bundle?
About six green beans per bundle strikes the perfect balance—enough to bite into but not too bulky to wrap tightly and cook evenly.
Can I add other seasonings or ingredients?
Absolutely! Some people love a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a bit of heat. A touch of grated Parmesan after baking also adds a lovely savory note.
Is this recipe suitable for parties or potlucks?
Definitely yes. These bundles travel well, look beautiful on a platter, and can be served warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe is a delicious and elegant way to elevate your vegetable side dishes. The combination of crisp-tender green beans, smoky bacon, and a hint of sweet brown sugar is utterly irresistible. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again, especially when you want to impress friends, family, or just treat yourself to a cozy, flavorful meal. Go ahead and give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
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 savory and sweet side dish perfect for any meal. Fresh green beans are blanched until tender-crisp, then bundled and wrapped in partially cooked thick bacon slices. The bundles are seasoned with a butter, garlic, and brown sugar mixture, then roasted to perfection in the oven for a delicious combination of smoky, sweet, and buttery flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh green beans
Meat
- 4 slices thick bacon
Seasonings & 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 green bean bundles later.
- Blanch Green Beans: Trim the ends off the green beans. Boil a large pan of water and cook the green beans for 2 minutes. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking, then 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 are still flexible. Remove and drain on paper towels, then cut each slice in half.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: Melt the butter in a small pan over medium-low heat. 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 a piece of the partially cooked bacon. Place each bundle seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with all beans and bacon slices.
- Season Bundles: Sprinkle each green bean bundle with light brown sugar, then drizzle the prepared butter mixture over them evenly.
- Roast Bundles: Roast the bundles in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked through and browned. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Blanching the green beans helps retain their bright color and crisp texture.
- Partially cooking the bacon before wrapping ensures it crisps fully during roasting without overcooking the green beans.
- Using thick-cut bacon adds a hearty flavor and texture to the bundles.
- The brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory bacon.
- Serve these bundles as a tasty side dish for holiday meals or casual dinners.
