Crack Green Beans With Crispy Bacon And A Delicious Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

Sweet ‘n Savory Crack Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

Crispy bacon adds an irresistible crunch to these crack green beans that will make your dinner table buzz with excitement.

Salty pork pieces intermingle with vibrant vegetables, creating a mouthwatering side dish.

Sweet brown sugar weaves a delicate caramelized magic through each tender bite.

Unexpected flavor combinations elevate this simple recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these beans come together with minimal effort.

Succulent and glossy, this dish promises to become your new favorite vegetable preparation.

You’ll want seconds – maybe even thirds – of this irresistible green bean creation.

FAQs About Crack Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar Glaze

  • Are these green beans sweet or savory?

These green beans offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with the brown sugar glaze providing a caramelized sweetness that complements the salty, crispy bacon.

  • Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Fresh green beans work best for this recipe, as frozen beans tend to release more water and can make the dish soggy. If you must use frozen, thoroughly thaw and pat them completely dry before using.

  • What type of bacon works best for this recipe?

Thick-cut bacon is recommended as it provides a more substantial crunch and holds up better during baking. Regular bacon can also work, but may become less crispy during the cooking process.

Why Crack Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar Glaze Is So Good

  • Boost Flavor Profile: Savor the irresistible combination of crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar glaze, and tender green beans that create a mouthwatering taste explosion.
  • Simplify Meal Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks looking for a delicious side dish that requires minimal effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transform ordinary green beans into an extraordinary dish that will impress family and friends, turning a simple vegetable into a crave-worthy sensation.
  • Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or potluck events, this recipe adds a gourmet touch to any meal with its sweet and savory flavor combination.

Ingredients for Crack Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar Glaze

Main Ingredients:
  • Green Beans: Fresh vegetable that provides a crisp and nutritious base for this delicious side dish.
  • Bacon: Savory meat that adds a rich, smoky flavor and crunchy texture to the green beans.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Butter, Soy Sauce, Garlic Powder: A combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors that creates a delectable caramelized coating for the green beans and bacon.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Oven, 9×13-inch Pan: Essential tools for baking and evenly distributing the ingredients to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.

How to Prepare Crack Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar Glaze

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). This temperature will help transform your green beans into a mouthwatering side dish with perfectly crisp edges.

Step 2: Prep the Veggie Base

Grab your fresh green beans and spread them out in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces across the top, creating a savory blanket that will infuse incredible flavor into every bite.

Step 3: Whip Up the Sweet and Tangy Glaze

In a mixing bowl, combine the magical ingredients that will take these green beans to the next level:
  • Brown sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Soy sauce
  • Garlic powder

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes a smooth, glossy coating that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Create Flavor Magic

Drizzle the glaze generously over the green beans and bacon. Use a spatula to ensure every single bean gets a loving coating of the sweet and savory mixture. The goal is maximum flavor coverage!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Let the green beans bake for 40 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and create a stunning, sticky coating that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Pull the dish out of the oven and give everything a quick toss to redistribute that incredible glaze. Transfer to a serving platter and watch as your family and friends dive into this irresistible green bean creation.

Tips for Making Perfect Crack Green Beans

  • Opt for fresh, crisp green beans to ensure the best texture and flavor in this dish.
  • Drain green beans thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from diluting the delicious brown sugar glaze.
  • Experiment with different types of bacon for varied flavor profiles, such as applewood-smoked or peppered bacon.
  • For a lighter version, use turkey bacon or reduce the amount of butter in the glaze.
  • Add a sprinkle of sliced almonds or toasted sesame seeds before serving for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Variations to Try with Crack Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar Glaze

  • Smoky Maple Bacon Blast: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, woodsy flavor that caramelizes beautifully on the green beans.
  • Spicy Southern Crunch: Add red pepper flakes and cayenne powder to create a bold, fiery kick that complements the bacon's smokiness.
  • Asian-Inspired Fusion: Swap soy sauce for teriyaki sauce and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an unexpected umami-packed experience.
  • Herb Garden Green Beans: Mix in fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley to introduce a bright, aromatic element that elevates the classic recipe.

Pairings That Match Crack Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar Glaze

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a full-bodied Pinot Noir or Zinfandel that complements the smoky bacon and sweet brown sugar glaze, enhancing the dish's rich flavor profile.
  • Create Protein-Packed Side: Serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted pork tenderloin to balance the green beans' sweetness and add protein to the meal.
  • Match with Crispy Starch: Add roasted garlic mashed potatoes or parmesan-crusted potato wedges to provide a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft green beans and creates a satisfying meal.
  • Elevate with Fresh Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the bacon and provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the sweet glazed beans.

Storage Instructions for Crack Green Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar Glaze

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the seal is tight to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer.
  • Transfer cooled green beans to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread green beans in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
  • Place green beans in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals.
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Crack Green Beans With Crispy Bacon And A Delicious Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

Crack Green Beans With Crispy Bacon And A Delicious Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sizzling Crack Green Beans deliver a Southern-style sensation that combines savory bacon with sweet brown sugar magic. Crisp green beans and smoky bacon create an irresistible side dish you’ll crave at every meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 5 cans (8 ounces) green beans, drained
  • 12 slices bacon, chopped, cooked until crisp, and drained

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 7 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the green beans with bacon and creating a caramelized glaze.
  2. Drain green beans thoroughly and arrange them in a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer that will allow for consistent cooking.
  3. Scatter crispy bacon pieces across the green beans, distributing them evenly to ensure each serving has a balance of vegetables and meat.
  4. Whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl until the glaze becomes smooth and well-integrated.
  5. Drizzle the prepared glaze over the green beans and bacon, carefully coating each component to maximize flavor absorption.
  6. Roast in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and develop a rich, glossy appearance while the green beans become tender.
  7. Remove from the oven and gently toss the green beans and bacon to ensure complete coverage with the sticky, sweet glaze.
  8. Transfer to a serving dish immediately, allowing the heat to maintain the glaze’s glossy texture and the bacon’s crisp quality.

Notes

  • Trim green beans carefully to remove tough ends, ensuring a tender and enjoyable texture.
  • Opt for thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and robust flavor that complements the green beans perfectly.
  • Adjust brown sugar quantity based on desired sweetness level, allowing customization for different taste preferences.
  • For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon or reducing butter content while maintaining the dish’s delicious glazed profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 216
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 410 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 23 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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