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Crack Green Beans Recipe: Easy Bacon & Sweet Glaze Side Dish

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Crack green beans are a crave-worthy side dish featuring fresh green beans, crispy bacon, and a sweet brown sugar glaze. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs fresh or canned green beans (about 6 cups), ends trimmed
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon (about 8 oz), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (swap for part of brown sugar)
  • Optional: Smoked paprika (for vegetarian version)
  • Optional: Toasted almonds (for vegetarian version)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. If using fresh green beans, snap off ends, rinse, and pat dry. If using canned, drain and rinse well.
  3. Slice bacon into 1-inch pieces. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until just crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes until smooth.
  5. Place green beans in a large bowl. Add cooked bacon and drizzle with glaze. Toss until evenly coated.
  6. Spread mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until glaze is bubbling and beans are tender but not mushy.
  8. Optional: Broil for 1 minute at the end for extra crispy bacon bits. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. For vegetarian, omit bacon and add smoked paprika and toasted almonds. Don’t overcrowd the pan for best roasting. Stir halfway through baking for even caramelization. Broil briefly for extra crispiness, but watch closely. Leftovers store well and flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack green beans, bacon green beans, sweet glazed green beans, easy side dish, potluck recipe, comfort food, oven roasted green beans, brown sugar glaze, holiday side, family favorite

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/crack-green-beans-recipe-easy-bacon-and-sweet-glaze-side-dish/