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These green bean bundles are my secret weapon when it comes to getting picky eaters excited about vegetables. The combination of crisp green beans wrapped in bacon and glazed with a rich brown sugar mixture turns simple ingredients into something special. It is the perfect dish to serve alongside a holiday roast or as a cozy side during weeknight dinners when you want to impress with minimal effort.
I first made these when my kids refused to eat green beans. After wrapping them in bacon and adding that sweet glaze they suddenly could not get enough. Now it is a monthly staple at our house.
Ingredients
- French green beans: fresh and trimmed cook more evenly and look more elegant
- Butter: melted adds richness to the glaze and helps caramelize the bacon
- Brown sugar: adds that perfect sweetness to complement the saltiness of the bacon
- Garlic seasoning blend: or Dan Os Cheesoning boosts flavor and adds depth
- Soy sauce: adds umami and complexity to the glaze
- Bacon: regular pork variety works best and crisps up beautifully
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blanch the Green Beans
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the green beans for five to six minutes until they are tender crisp and bright green. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve color.
- Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl combine melted butter brown sugar soy sauce and seasoning blend. Stir well until the mixture becomes thick and spreadable.
- Assemble the Bundles
- Cut each bacon slice in half to create twelve strips. Gather about five to seven green beans and wrap each bundle with a piece of bacon seam side down.
- Season the Bundles
- Sprinkle more seasoning blend over the top of each bundle to boost flavor and help form a tasty crust during baking.
- Add the Glaze
- Use a spoon to apply a generous layer of the glaze over the top of each bundle making sure to coat the bacon evenly.
- Bake Until Crisp
- Arrange the bundles on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at four hundred degrees for thirty to thirty five minutes until the bacon is crisp and the glaze is bubbling.
Storage Tips
These are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the bacon is still crisp. If needed you can assemble them in advance and store in the refrigerator covered for up to eight hours before baking. Avoid reheating once baked as the bacon loses its crispness quickly.
Ingredient Substitutions
If French green beans are not available you can use regular green beans just trim and make sure they are not too thick. For the seasoning blend garlic powder mixed with a bit of grated parmesan is a solid alternative. Maple bacon adds a sweet twist and works well if you enjoy a slightly different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bundles alongside roasted chicken beef tenderloin or even as a side to pasta dishes. They also look lovely as part of a holiday spread next to mashed potatoes and stuffing. I sometimes make a double batch for big gatherings because they vanish fast.
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Cultural Context
This dish takes inspiration from classic American sides that combine sweet savory and smoky elements. Wrapping vegetables in bacon is a time honored trick to make them more appealing and this version elevates that approach with the glossy brown sugar glaze and simple technique.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh green beans work best for this dish. Frozen ones often turn mushy and lose their crisp-tender texture after baking.
- → How do I keep the bacon from unraveling?
Make sure to place the bacon seam-side down and tuck the ends underneath each bundle to keep them secure during baking.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes you can assemble the bundles ahead and refrigerate for a few hours. Bake them fresh when ready to serve for best texture.
- → What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
These are best fresh but if needed reheat in a hot oven to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving which softens the bacon.
- → Can I use other vegetables?
Yes asparagus works well as a substitute for green beans and pairs nicely with the same glaze and bacon wrapping technique.