Crack Green Beans Recipe

Introduction

Crack Green Beans are a deliciously sweet and savory side dish that combines crisp-tender green beans with crispy bacon and a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 24 oz fresh green beans
• 8 slices bacon
• 2 Tbsp butter (melted)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pan, drain on paper towels, then chop into small bits and set aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir until well mixed.
3. Step 3: Place the fresh green beans in a 9×9-inch baking dish. Pour the sauce mixture over the beans, then add the chopped bacon bits. Toss everything together until the beans are evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring once or twice between 20 and 30 minutes, until the green beans are tender and flavorful.
5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and serve warm, spooning some of the sauce over the beans for extra flavor. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispness, broil the green beans for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
• Use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor.
• Fresh green beans work best, but you can use frozen green beans; just thaw and drain well before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. The sauce may thicken when cold, so you can add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Crack Green Beans ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the green beans and sauce mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the bacon just before baking to maintain its crispiness.

Are these green beans gluten-free?

The dish can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. Regular soy sauce contains wheat, so opt for tamari or a gluten-free labeled soy sauce.

Crack Green Beans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

Crack Green Beans is a flavorful and comforting side dish that combines tender baked green beans with crispy bacon, a rich buttery sauce, and a sweet-savory glaze made from brown sugar, honey, and soy sauce. Perfect for elevating your weeknight dinners or holiday meals, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with an easy oven-baked method.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Green Beans

• 24 oz fresh green beans

Bacon

• 8 slices bacon

Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter (melted)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the 8 slices of bacon until they are crispy. Once done, chop the bacon into small bits and set them aside for later use in the recipe.
2. Prepare the Sauce: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium or small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed to create a sweet and savory sauce.
3. Combine Green Beans and Sauce: Place the fresh green beans into a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similarly sized dish. Pour the prepared sauce over the green beans and toss or mix well to ensure the beans are evenly coated.
4. Add Bacon to the Beans: Add the crispy chopped bacon bits to the green beans and sauce mixture and mix gently to distribute the bacon evenly throughout.
5. Bake the Dish: Bake the green beans uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the beans reach your preferred softness. Toss the mixture once or twice during baking at around 20 and 30 minutes to help evenly coat the beans and prevent sticking.
6. Serve Warm: Once baked and tender, serve the crack green beans warm. Optionally, drizzle some of the reserved sauce from the bottom of the dish over the top for extra flavor and enjoy this savory, sweet, and smoky side dish.

Notes

• To save time, you can cook the bacon in advance and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to assemble the dish.
• For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar and honey amounts by half.
• Make sure to toss the green beans a couple of times during baking to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• This dish pairs excellently with roasted meats or grilled chicken.

Keywords: crack green beans, baked green beans, bacon green beans, sweet and savory green beans, side dish recipe