Imagine a side dish so delectable, so perfectly balanced between crispy bacon and tender green beans, that it transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. These Green Bean Bundles with Bacon are not just a side dish – they're a flavor explosion that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds (and maybe even the recipe). With a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, this dish proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most memorable meals.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly. Trim the ends of the green beans to remove any tough or discolored portions, ensuring they are all roughly the same length.
- Divide the green beans into 8 equal bundles, grouping them neatly together. Each bundle should contain approximately 2 ounces of green beans.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Take a slice of bacon and carefully wrap it around the middle of each green bean bundle, securing the beans together. Ensure the bacon is wrapped snugly but not too tight.
- Place the bacon-wrapped green bean bundles on the prepared baking sheet, with the bacon seam-side down to prevent unraveling.
- Using a pastry brush, generously coat each green bean bundle with the prepared soy sauce mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the green beans are tender. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Remove from the oven and let the bundles rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the bacon to set and the sauce to slightly caramelize.
- Transfer the green bean bundles to a serving platter, drizzling any remaining pan sauce over the top for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, presenting each bundle as an elegant and delicious side dish.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Green Beans: Select firm, bright green beans without any blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Bacon Selection Matters: Use thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping and crispier results. Thick-cut bacon can be too heavy for delicate green bean bundles.
- Prep Ahead: You can assemble the bundles up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate, making them perfect for entertaining.
- Even Cooking Hack: If some bacon ends look like they're browning too quickly, cover those spots loosely with aluminum foil during baking.
- Sauce Pro Tip: For an extra flavor kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the soy sauce mixture.
- Serving Suggestion: These bundles are best served immediately while the bacon is crisp and the beans are hot.
- Make It Your Own: Experiment with different seasonings like maple syrup instead of brown sugar, or add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
