Name: Green Bean Bundles with Bacon Recipe: Savory and Sweet
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans (trimmed); 10 slices bacon (halved); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; Optional: Chopped parsley (black pepper); Suggested Pairings: Mashed potatoes (white wine)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Green Bean Bundles with Bacon are a classic side dish or appetizer, perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions. These crisp green beans, wrapped in smoky bacon and brushed with a savory-sweet glaze, deliver a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite. Presented on a white ceramic platter, garnished with a sprinkle of black pepper or parsley, these Green Bean Bundles offer a vibrant, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a traditional version, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that brings savory charm to any meal.

Ingredients

For the Green Bean Bundles:

1 1/2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
8–10 slices bacon (preferably thin-cut)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp kosher salt

Serving:

Optional: Chopped parsley, cracked black pepper
Suggested Accompaniments: Mashed potatoes, roasted turkey
Suggested Pairings: White wine, iced tea
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter
Suggested Equipment: Large pot, baking sheet, parchment paper or aluminum foil, toothpicks, small bowl, whisk, tongs, measuring cups/spoons

Step-by-Step Process

Blanch Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and blanch for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.
Prepare Bacon: Cut bacon slices in half crosswise to create shorter strips. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Taste the glaze and adjust with additional brown sugar (for sweetness) or soy sauce (for savoriness) to ensure a balanced flavor.
Assemble Bundles: Gather 8–10 green beans into a bundle. Wrap a half-slice of bacon around the center of each bundle, securing with a toothpick. Place bundles seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat to make 16–20 bundles.
Apply Glaze: Brush each bundle generously with the glaze, ensuring even coating.
Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and golden. Flip bundles halfway through for even cooking.
Serve: Remove toothpicks (optional) and arrange bundles on a white ceramic platter. Garnish with chopped parsley or cracked black pepper. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, roasted turkey, white wine, or iced tea.

Tips for Better Green Bean Bundles

Choose thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping and crispier results; thick-cut bacon may require longer cooking.
Taste the glaze before brushing to balance sweet and savory flavors; adjust with brown sugar or soy sauce.
Blanch green beans to maintain their bright color and crisp texture; don’t overcook.
Pat green beans dry to ensure bacon adheres and glaze sticks properly.
Use a white ceramic platter for a vibrant presentation, highlighting the green beans and golden bacon.
Make ahead: Assemble bundles and prepare glaze up to 1 day in advance; refrigerate and bake fresh.
For crispier bacon, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
Enhance aesthetic: Present on a white ceramic platter with parsley for a fresh, inviting look.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Green Bean Bundles: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari; ensure bacon is gluten-free.
Vegan Green Bean Bundles: Replace bacon with vegan bacon strips and butter with vegan margarine or olive oil.
Low-Sodium Green Bean Bundles: Reduce salt to 1/8 tsp and use low-sodium soy sauce.
Spicy Green Bean Bundles: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
Maple Green Bean Bundles: Replace brown sugar with 2 tbsp maple syrup for a different sweetness.
Garlic-Herb Green Bean Bundles: Add 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze.
Parmesan Green Bean Bundles: Sprinkle 2 tbsp grated Parmesan over bundles before baking.
Low-Fat Green Bean Bundles: Use turkey bacon and reduce butter to 2 tbsp, adding 1 tbsp olive oil.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freeze unbaked bundles in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before baking.
Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
Use as a side dish for holiday feasts or an appetizer for parties.
Pair with white wine or iced tea to complement the savory-sweet flavor.
Present on a white ceramic platter with vibrant garnishes for an appetizing, elegant charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 8 servings (2 bundles each):

Calories: 220 kcal
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 480mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 20% Daily Value
Calcium: 4% Daily Value
Iron: 8% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-sodium options reduce sodium to ~300mg). Moderate in fat and sodium; enjoy in moderation. Pair with vegetables for balance.

Conclusion

This Green Bean Bundles with Bacon recipe offers a savory, sweet side dish or appetizer, perfect for any occasion, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful classic. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The crisp beans and smoky bacon delight every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing appeal.