If you are looking for a side dish that is bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress, these Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe deliver on all fronts. Imagine tender green beans bundled neatly and lovingly in smoky, crispy bacon, then finished with a hint of buttery sweetness and just the right touch of seasoning. This combination of textures and tastes makes it a showstopper on any dinner table, transforming ordinary veggies into an irresistible treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet each one is vital in creating the perfect balance of savory and sweet, crunchy and tender, fresh and smoky. Everything works together to bring this dish to life with color, flavor, and texture.
- 1 lb fresh green beans: Crisp and vibrant, they provide the fresh, garden flavor that shines through in every bite.
- 4 slices thick bacon: Adds smoky richness and a delightful crispiness that wraps the beans with irresistible flavor.
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter: Melts into the bundles to bring a silky, indulgent touch after roasting.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complexity to the seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Provides a gentle, savory warmth that pairs beautifully with bacon.
- 2 Tbsp light brown sugar: Sprinkled on top for a hint of caramelized sweetness that perfectly balances the salty bacon.
How to Make Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. This moderate temperature allows the bacon to cook through properly without burning, while the green beans become tender and perfectly roasted.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans
Trim the ends off the fresh green beans to remove any tough or dry spots. Blanch them by boiling for just two minutes—this step locks in their beautiful green color and tenderness. Immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process, then dry thoroughly. This prep ensures they stay crisp but tender when roasted.
Step 3: Partially Cook the Bacon
In a frying pan over medium heat, gently cook the bacon slices until they just begin to brown but remain flexible—about 5 to 6 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the bacon to crisp up nicely in the oven without overcooking. Drain on paper towels and slice each strip in half for wrapping.
Step 4: Make the Butter Seasoning
Melt the butter in a small pan over medium-low heat, then stir in the kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This mixture will be drizzled over the bundles before roasting, adding a rich and savory aroma that complements both the bacon and green beans.
Step 5: Assemble the Bundles
Gather about six green beans per bundle and wrap each securely with half a slice of bacon, making sure the seam is placed down to hold everything together. Arrange the bundles on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Step 6: Add Brown Sugar and Butter
Sprinkle each bundle generously with light brown sugar, then drizzle the melted butter seasoning over the top. The sugar caramelizes during roasting, adding a subtle sweetness that contrasts delightfully with the smoky bacon.
Step 7: Roast to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and roast the bundles for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is fully cooked and beautifully browned, wrapping the green beans in a mouthwatering embrace.
How to Serve Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of cracked black pepper adds a lovely pop of color and a final touch of freshness. You can also drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze if you’re feeling adventurous and want to add an extra layer of flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
These bundles pair wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or steak, and complement hearty mashed potatoes or creamy risotto perfectly. They add not only flavor but a vibrant textural contrast to almost any main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these green bean bundles as appetizers on a beautiful wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Or, artfully arrange them in a circular pattern on your dinner plate to wow guests with both taste and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover green bean bundles tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They taste just as good the next day, making them perfect for quick meals or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze these bundles before baking by arranging them on a baking sheet, flash freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Keep frozen for up to a month. When ready to eat, roast them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bundles in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the bacon regains its crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the bacon chewy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Fresh green beans are best for this Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe because they retain their crispness after roasting. However, if you use frozen, be sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly to avoid soggy bundles.
Is it necessary to blanch the green beans?
Blanching is important because it softens the green beans just enough and preserves their vibrant color. Skipping this step might lead to bundles that are too crunchy or unevenly cooked.
What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I use something else?
If you don’t have brown sugar, a small pinch of white sugar mixed with a little molasses, honey, or maple syrup can work as a substitute to provide sweetness and help caramelize the bacon.
Can I use thinner bacon slices?
Thicker bacon is preferred for this recipe because it crisps nicely without drying out. Thinner slices may become too crisp or brittle during roasting, but you can try partial cooking and careful monitoring if you only have thin bacon.
How many green beans should I bundle together?
Around six green beans per bundle creates a perfect bite-sized portion that the bacon wraps around securely. You can adjust slightly based on bean thickness, but keep the bundles manageable for even cooking and serving.
Final Thoughts
This Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon Recipe is a delightful way to elevate a humble vegetable into a crave-worthy side dish. Its irresistible flavor combination and appealing presentation make it quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy every savory, sweet, and smoky bite as much as I do!
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 offer a deliciously savory and slightly sweet side dish perfect for any meal. Fresh green beans are blanched, bundled into bite-sized portions, wrapped in partially cooked bacon, and roasted to crispy perfection with a buttery, garlicky seasoning and a touch of brown sugar for a flavorful glaze.
Ingredients
Green Bean Bundles
- 1 lb fresh green beans
- 4 slices thick bacon
Seasoning & Toppings
- 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 (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for roasting the green bean bundles.
- Blanch Green Beans: Trim the ends off the green beans. Bring a large pan of water to a boil, then add the green beans and cook for 2 minutes. Quickly transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain and dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Partially Cook Bacon: Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and cook the bacon slices for 5-6 minutes until they start to brown but remain pliable. Remove the bacon, drain on paper towels, and cut each slice in half.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small pan on medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the kosher salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Assemble Bundles: Take about six green beans and wrap them securely with a half slice of partially cooked bacon. Place each bundle seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all beans and bacon are used.
- Add Brown Sugar and Butter: Sprinkle each bacon-wrapped bundle evenly with light brown sugar. Drizzle the prepared butter mixture over the bundles to add flavor and help with browning.
- Roast Bundles: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is fully cooked, crispy, and browned. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Be sure to dry the green beans thoroughly after blanching to avoid soggy bacon wrapping.
- You can use regular bacon if thick-cut is not available, but thick-cut holds together better during roasting.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
- These bundles can be made ahead and refrigerated before roasting; just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to keep the bacon crispy.
