Some of my fondest food memories are tied to my grandma’s kitchen, where a pot of garden-fresh green beans would simmer with ham all day long. While I’ll always cherish that slow-cooked classic, sometimes you need a side dish that’s both elegant and quick. These Crispy Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles deliver all the savory, nostalgic flavor in a fraction of the time, making them a perfect, show-stopping addition to any meal!
Ingredients
• 12 ounces / 340g fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons / 30ml avocado oil
• 8 slices bacon, cut in half crosswise
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare your station: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Season the beans: In a medium bowl, toss the trimmed green beans with avocado oil until they are lightly and evenly coated.
3. Assemble the bundles: Working with one half-slice of bacon at a time, tightly wrap a small bundle of 4-5 green beans. Place the bundle seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to prevent it from unraveling. Repeat with the remaining beans and bacon.
4. Season and bake: Arrange the bundles in a single layer, leaving a little space between each. Sprinkle them evenly with salt and pepper. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the bacon is perfectly crisp and the green beans are tender-crisp.
Nutritional Information
• (per serving)
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 18g
• Sodium: 650mg
Pro Tips
• For vibrant green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge them into an ice bath before wrapping. This helps them stay bright green and cook evenly.
• For a sweet and savory glaze, mix 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Brush this mixture over the bundles during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
• Assemble the bundles up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate them on the baking sheet, then just season and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
FAQ
Q: Can I make bacon wrapped green bean bundles ahead of time
A: Yes, you can assemble the bundles up to one day in advance. Arrange them on a covered baking sheet and refrigerate. When you’re ready, simply season and bake as directed.
Q: How do I get the bacon extra crispy
A: For perfectly crisp bacon, ensure the bundles are in a single layer with space between them on the baking sheet. Using regular-cut bacon, not thick-cut, also helps it cook through and crisp up in the given time.
Q: How do I keep my green beans from getting mushy
A: To ensure tender-crisp green beans, avoid overcooking. The recipe calls for 25 minutes at 400°F (200°C), which should be perfect. You can also blanch the beans for 2-3 minutes and shock them in an ice bath before wrapping to help them cook evenly and stay vibrant.
Q: Can I add a glaze to these green bean bundles
A: Absolutely! For a sweet and savory twist, mix 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Brush this glaze over the bundles during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
