Crack Green Beans are a sweet, savory, and addictive side dish made with tender green beans, crispy bacon, and a flavorful brown sugar glaze. This easy recipe is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners when you want a delicious vegetable dish that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory – A perfect balance of brown sugar, bacon, and garlic.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients with minimal prep time.
- Crowd-pleaser – Even picky eaters will love these caramelized green beans!
- Great for holidays – A fantastic side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Canned green beans (drained) or fresh green beans
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Butter, melted
- Brown sugar
- Soy sauce
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Assemble the Dish: Place drained green beans in the baking dish and sprinkle cooked bacon over the top.
- Pour the Sauce: Drizzle the brown sugar mixture evenly over the green beans and bacon.
- Bake: Cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Serve: Enjoy warm as a side dish with your favorite main course!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Honey Substitute: Swap brown sugar for honey for a different sweetness.
- Garlic Butter Twist: Sauté fresh garlic in butter before adding to the sauce.
- Fresh Green Beans: Use fresh beans, but blanch them first.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months, then reheat in the oven.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans?
Yes! Blanch them first to keep them tender.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
What can I serve with crack green beans?
They pair well with ham, chicken, steak, or roasted turkey.
Can I make this dish without bacon?
Yes! Try using turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes! Thaw and drain before using.
How do I make this dish crispier?
Bake a little longer or broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Is this dish very sweet?
It has a sweet-savory balance, but you can reduce the brown sugar if desired.
What’s the best way to cook bacon for this recipe?
Bake it at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, then crumble it.
Can I double this recipe for a large group?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish and increase the ingredients accordingly.
Can I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar?
Yes! Maple syrup adds a delicious depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Crack Green Beans are an irresistible side dish that combines crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar glaze, and tender green beans for a dish that’s sure to be a hit at any meal. Whether for a holiday gathering or an easy weeknight dinner, this simple yet flavorful recipe is always a winner. Try different variations, pair it with your favorite entrees, and enjoy this addictive, caramelized green bean dish!
PrintCrack Green Beans
These Crack Green Beans are so good, they might just become your new favorite way to enjoy veggies! Tender green beans are cooked in a savory, buttery sauce with a touch of garlic, bacon, and a crispy topping. It’s a rich, flavorful side that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holidays, or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen green beans (trimmed)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce for deeper flavor)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Cook the bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan.
-
Sauté the garlic & seasonings:
- Add butter to the same skillet with the bacon drippings and melt over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Cook the green beans:
- Add green beans to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the buttery mixture.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender but still slightly crisp.
-
Add the soy sauce & cheese:
- Stir in soy sauce and cheddar cheese (if using), and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the green beans are well-coated.
-
Serve & garnish:
- Sprinkle with the crispy bacon and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Vegan Version: Skip the bacon and use olive oil and nutritional yeast for a savory flavor.
- Extra Flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a bright touch.
- Make Ahead: These beans are best served fresh, but you can prep them up to a day in advance and reheat them gently on the stovetop.