These Green Bean Bundles with Bacon offer the perfect combination of crispy bacon and tender green beans. The bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the beans, while the simple seasoning brings out their natural sweetness. It’s an easy and elegant side dish that will complement any main course. This recipe is versatile enough for everyday meals, but it also makes a stunning addition to your holiday or special occasion table. The bacon-wrapped bundles are not only visually appealing, but they also deliver a satisfying crunch that will have everyone asking for more. Plus, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a go-to choice for busy cooks!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8 slices of bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain and plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Pat the green beans dry and bundle them in groups of about 6-8 beans.
- Wrap each bundle with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the bacon-wrapped bundles with the prepared sauce.
- Arrange the bundles on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden.
- Remove from the oven, discard toothpicks, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Green Bean Bundles with Bacon: A Delicious, Simple, and Savory Side Dish
Green Bean Bundles with Bacon are a perfect combination of smoky, crispy bacon and tender, flavorful green beans. This dish takes a humble vegetable and elevates it to a level of sophistication and deliciousness that will impress even the pickiest eaters. These bundles are wrapped in bacon, roasted in the oven until crispy, and finished off with a sweet and savory glaze. It’s an easy side dish that works for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special occasions, and it pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses.
A Flavorful Combination of Fresh Ingredients
Green beans are a great choice for a side dish because they’re packed with nutrients, low in calories, and versatile in cooking. They’re high in fiber, which aids in digestion, and they’re a good source of vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K, as well as minerals like manganese and folate. They’re also loaded with antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and improve overall health. On the other hand, bacon is a rich and flavorful ingredient that gives the green beans an extra burst of taste. The crispy texture of the bacon provides a perfect contrast to the tender beans, and the smoky, salty flavor enhances the natural sweetness of the green beans. Combining these two ingredients makes for an indulgent side dish that offers the perfect balance of flavors.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
- Quick and Easy to Prepare
Green Bean Bundles with Bacon are surprisingly simple to make, even though they look fancy. The process involves blanching the green beans for a few minutes, wrapping them in bacon, and baking them. There’s minimal prep time required, and it doesn’t involve any complicated techniques. This makes it a great dish for both beginner and experienced cooks. You’ll be able to make a stunning side dish with just a few ingredients in under 40 minutes. - Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for the family, hosting a holiday dinner, or bringing a dish to a potluck, these bacon-wrapped green bean bundles are a hit. Their elegant presentation makes them a great option for special occasions, but they are easy enough to whip up for a regular dinner. This versatility makes the recipe a favorite among busy home cooks who want to create a dish that is both impressive and simple. - Customizable and Adaptable
One of the reasons this recipe is so beloved is its adaptability. You can modify it to suit your personal taste or dietary needs. For example, if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can drizzle the bundles with honey or maple syrup before baking. If you like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder can be added. You can also swap the bacon for a vegetarian alternative, like a plant-based bacon or prosciutto for a more gourmet touch. - Crowd-Pleasing and Satisfying
The bacon-wrapped bundles are an instant crowd-pleaser. Bacon, after all, is a universally loved ingredient. By pairing it with fresh green beans, you’re offering a combination of indulgent and healthy that satisfies a wide variety of palates. Whether you’re serving a group of meat lovers or vegetarians, these bundles are sure to be appreciated by everyone at the table. - Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Not only is this recipe quick to prepare, but it also makes great leftovers. You can easily prepare a large batch of these green bean bundles ahead of time and reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to serve. The leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick lunch or dinner, making it a practical option for meal prepping. You can also freeze the bundles before baking for a future meal. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
How to Make Your Green Bean Bundles Extra Special
While the basic recipe calls for bacon, green beans, and a simple glaze, there are many ways to enhance the flavor profile and make these bundles even more delicious. Adding a few extra ingredients can elevate the dish to new heights. For example, adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the bundles during the last few minutes of baking will give them an extra savory kick. You can also include fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch that complements the bacon and green beans. Another variation is to add a tangy balsamic reduction drizzle before serving. This will provide a nice balance to the richness of the bacon and add a layer of complexity to the flavor. For a smoky twist, try using smoked bacon or even smoked paprika in your glaze to further enhance the depth of flavor.
Why You’ll Love Green Bean Bundles with Bacon
- Simple and Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses a few simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store, making it an affordable option for home cooks. It’s perfect for when you want something delicious without breaking the bank.
- Full of Flavor: The savory bacon, the natural sweetness of the green beans, and the added seasoning create a dish that is bursting with flavor. Every bite delivers a delicious balance of crispy, smoky, and fresh.
- Perfect for Any Time of Year: Whether it’s the holidays, a family dinner, or a summer barbecue, these green bean bundles are suitable for any time of year. Their festive look and savory taste make them a go-to for special occasions, but their ease of preparation makes them perfect for casual weeknights as well.
- Family-Friendly: If you’re cooking for picky eaters, this is an excellent dish to try. The combination of bacon and green beans is simple yet satisfying, and it’s a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies without complaining. Plus, the bacon adds a fun, crispy twist that will have the whole family coming back for seconds.
Conclusion
Green Bean Bundles with Bacon are the perfect side dish to add to your culinary repertoire. They’re flavorful, easy to make, and versatile enough to suit a wide variety of tastes. The combination of fresh green beans and crispy bacon is a classic that never fails to impress, and it’s a dish that will make you feel like a gourmet chef in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special celebration, this dish will be a crowd-pleaser every time. By incorporating simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a beautiful, mouthwatering dish that’s both healthy and indulgent. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a staple in your meal planning for years to come!
