Easy Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Easy Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are a simple and tasty way to make veggies feel like a treat. Crisp green beans wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon make a perfect combo…
Tip: save now, cook later.Easy Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are a simple and tasty way to make veggies feel like a treat. Crisp green beans wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon make a perfect combo of fresh and salty flavors. They come together quickly and cook up beautifully, making them great for busy weeknights or holiday dinners.
I love making these bundles when I want something that feels a little special but doesn’t take a ton of time or effort. Wrapping the green beans with bacon is surprisingly fun, and the smell while they bake is seriously amazing. A little sprinkle of garlic powder or a dash of black pepper on top can add a nice punch, too. I always make extra because they tend to disappear quickly!
These bundles are perfect served right out of the oven with a simple main like roasted chicken or grilled steak. I’ve also brought them to potlucks, and they always get compliments and requests for the recipe. They’re an easy way to add some excitement to your vegetable plate, and I think everyone will love how the bacon keeps the green beans nice and flavorful without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans work best for a crisp bite. If you don’t have fresh, you can use frozen, but thaw and dry them well before bundling.
Bacon: Thin-sliced bacon wraps easier and crisps nicely. Thick-cut works too but might need longer cooking. Turkey bacon is a leaner substitute but won’t get as crispy.
Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps with caramelization. You can swap it with maple syrup or honey for a different flavor twist.
Olive Oil & Spices: Olive oil helps seasoning stick and adds richness. Garlic powder and black pepper give a tasty kick. Feel free to adjust spices or add smoked paprika for smoky depth.
How Can I Get Crispy Bacon Without Overcooking Green Beans?
Balancing crispy bacon and tender green beans is key. Here’s how:
- Blanch green beans briefly in boiling water, then cool in ice water. This softens them slightly without overcooking.
- Wrap bundles tightly with bacon to keep beans together and ensure even cooking.
- Bake on a lined tray at 400°F, flipping bundles halfway. This lets bacon crisp on all sides without burning.
- Keep an eye on baking time; 20-25 minutes usually hits the sweet spot for crispy bacon and tender beans.
Following these steps helps the bacon get golden and crispy while the beans stay bright and slightly crisp—perfect together!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – big enough to fit all your bundles without crowding for even cooking.
- Parchment paper or foil – makes cleanup easy and stops bacon from sticking.
- Large pot – to blanch the green beans quickly and evenly.
- Mixing bowl – to toss the green beans with oil and seasoning before wrapping.
- Basting brush – helps spread the seasoning mix evenly over the bacon wrapped bundles.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap green beans for asparagus for a tender bite with a similar fresh flavor.
- Use a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder instead of garlic powder for a smoky or spicy twist.
- Add a bit of shredded cheddar or parmesan inside the bundle before wrapping for extra cheesy goodness.
- Wrap bundles with prosciutto or thin deli ham instead of bacon for a lighter, saltier option.
Easy Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bundles:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 12 slices of bacon (thin or regular cut)
For the Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll spend around 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish, including blanching and assembling the bundles.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Green Beans:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the green beans, and blanch them for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still crisp. Then, plunge the beans into ice water to stop cooking. Drain and dry them well.
2. Wrap the Green Bean Bundles:
Take about 8 to 10 green beans and group them into small bunches. Wrap each bunch tightly with one slice of bacon, tucking the ends underneath to hold the bundle together. Place each bundle seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Add Seasoning and Bake:
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Brush this flavor-packed mixture generously over each bacon-wrapped bundle. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and caramelized, flipping the bundles halfway through for even cooking.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, let the bundles cool for a few minutes. They’re best enjoyed warm as a delicious, savory side dish alongside your favorite main course.
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before blanching to avoid extra moisture that can prevent the bacon from crisping.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover bundles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the bacon crispy.
Can I Make These Bundles Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bundles and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
You can use turkey bacon or prosciutto for a leaner option, though the cooking time and crispiness may vary slightly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.