Crack Green Beans Recipe
Introduction
Crack Green Beans are a deliciously sweet and savory side dish that combines tender green beans with crispy bacon and a flavorful glaze. This easy recipe is perfect for elevating a simple vegetable into a crowd-pleasing 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
- Step 1: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then chop into small bits and set aside.
- Step 2: Preheat the 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 well to create the glaze.
- Step 3: Place the green beans in a 9×9-inch baking dish or a dish of similar size. Pour the glaze evenly over the beans and toss to coat. Add the chopped bacon bits and mix again gently.
- Step 4: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and have absorbed the flavors. Toss the beans once or twice during baking, around 20 and 30 minutes, to ensure even coating.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and serve warm, spooning any remaining sauce over the green beans for extra flavor. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.
- Use fresh green beans trimmed of their ends for the best texture and flavor.
- Try substituting turkey bacon for a leaner version with less fat.
- Double the glaze ingredients if making a larger batch to ensure every bean is well coated.
Storage
Store leftover crack green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to prevent overcooking and to keep the beans tender but not mushy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Fresh green beans work best for this dish to achieve the right texture. However, you can use frozen green beans; just thaw and drain them well before baking to avoid excess moisture.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon or replace it with smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a smoky, vegetarian-friendly twist that still adds depth of flavor.
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Crack Green Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crack Green Beans recipe delivers a flavorful twist on a classic side dish by combining fresh green beans with crispy bacon, a savory-sweet glaze made of butter, brown sugar, honey, and soy sauce, and a blend of aromatic spices. Baked until tender and coated in a luscious sauce, these green beans make a perfect accompaniment for any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 24 oz fresh green beans
Meat
- 8 slices bacon
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
- Cook the Bacon: Start by frying the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they become crispy. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then chop into small bits and set aside for later use.
- 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 the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the fresh green beans into a 9×9 inch baking dish or a similar size casserole dish. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the green beans, then toss to coat them completely. Add the crispy bacon bits into the dish and mix gently to distribute them through the beans and sauce.
- Bake the Green Beans: Bake the mixture in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the green beans have softened to your desired tenderness. To ensure even cooking and coating, toss the green beans once or twice during baking, approximately at 20 minutes and again at 30 minutes.
- Serve: Once baked, serve the crack green beans warm. Spoon some of the remaining sauce from the bottom of the baking dish over the green beans for extra flavor and enjoy as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For softer beans, you can extend baking time by 5-10 minutes as needed.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content if desired.
- Can be prepared ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: green beans, baked green beans, crack green beans, bacon green beans, sweet and savory side dish, holiday side dish
