Introduction
Green Bean Bacon Bundles are one of those side dishes that look impressive while being surprisingly easy to prepare. I first made these when I wanted a vegetable dish that felt special enough for a holiday table but still simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Crisp-tender green beans wrapped in smoky bacon create the perfect balance of freshness and richness. As the bundles bake, the bacon turns golden and flavorful, while the green beans absorb just enough savory goodness to make them irresistible. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It works just as well for festive meals as it does for casual dinners, and it pairs beautifully with almost any main course. I have served these bundles at family gatherings and potlucks, and they always disappear quickly. If you want a vegetable side that even non-vegetable lovers enjoy, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe transforms simple green beans into a crowd-pleasing side dish. It is easy to assemble, requires only a few ingredients, and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The individual bundles also make serving neat and convenient.
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Green Bean Bacon Bundles – A Simple, Elegant Side Dish Everyone Loves
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 bundles
Description
Green bean bacon bundles are an easy, savory side dish featuring tender green beans wrapped in crispy bacon and baked with a touch of seasoning for a crowd-pleasing bite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Bundle 6–8 green beans together and wrap with half a slice of bacon.
- Place bundles seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Brush the mixture evenly over each bundle.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bacon is crispy and green beans are tender.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness.
- Can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving.
- Great as a holiday or steakhouse-style side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Green Beans
Fresh green beans work best for this recipe. They remain crisp-tender after baking and provide a fresh contrast to the bacon.
Bacon
Bacon adds smoky, savory flavor and wraps the bundles together while crisping beautifully in the oven.
Butter
Butter enhances richness and helps season the green beans as they bake.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the bacon.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder adds mild savory depth without overpowering the dish.
Black Pepper
Black pepper provides gentle warmth and enhances overall flavor.
Salt
A small amount of salt helps season the green beans, though bacon already adds saltiness.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and lightly greasing a baking dish or lining it with parchment paper. Trim the ends of the green beans and blanch them briefly in boiling water until just tender-crisp. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
Divide the green beans into small bundles, keeping portions even. Wrap each bundle tightly with a strip of bacon and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Spoon or brush the mixture evenly over the bacon-wrapped bundles. Bake until the bacon is crisp and the green beans are tender. For extra browning, briefly broil at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four to six people, depending on portion size. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover green bean bacon bundles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the bacon.
Variations and Customizations
Green Bean Bacon Bundles are easy to customize. You can drizzle balsamic glaze over the bundles after baking for a tangy finish. For extra richness, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the hot bundles before serving. If you prefer a savory-only version, omit the brown sugar and season with herbs such as thyme or rosemary. You can also use thin-cut bacon for crispier results or turkey bacon for a lighter option, adjusting cooking time as needed. These bundles also pair well with a light mustard or honey-based glaze for added depth.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides fiber and vitamins from green beans along with protein and fat from bacon. While indulgent, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Even Bundles
Keep bundle sizes consistent for even cooking.
Dry Beans
Pat green beans dry before wrapping to help bacon crisp.
Bacon Thickness
Use thin to regular-cut bacon for best texture.
Broil Carefully
Watch closely during broiling to prevent burning.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bundles ahead and bake just before serving.
Should I blanch the green beans first?
Yes, blanching ensures tender green beans without overcooking the bacon.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh is best, but thawed and dried frozen beans can work.
How do I keep bacon crispy?
Bake uncovered and finish with a short broil if needed.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, but cooking time may vary.
Are these suitable for holidays?
Yes, they are perfect for festive meals.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, Parmesan works well as a finishing touch.
What main dishes pair well with this recipe?
They pair well with chicken, beef, or pork.
Can I make them in an air fryer?
Yes, cook in batches and adjust time as needed.
How do I prevent burning the sugar?
Bake at moderate heat and avoid prolonged broiling.
Conclusion
Green Bean Bacon Bundles are a simple yet elegant side dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With crisp bacon, tender green beans, and a touch of sweetness, this recipe is perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions.