Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are a simple and tasty side dish that everyone seems to love. Crisp green beans are tightly bundled together and wrapped with smoky, crispy bacon, creating a perfect mix of fresh and salty flavors. The bacon’s crunch pairs so well with the tender snap of the green beans, making these bundles a hit at family dinners or holiday meals.
I love making these bundles when I want something easy yet impressive to bring to a gathering. What I find fun is how you can season them just the way you like—sometimes I add a sprinkle of garlic powder or a little brown sugar before baking to give a hint of extra flavor. It’s one of those small dishes that ends up disappearing first, so I always make a few extra!
One of my favorite ways to serve these is right out of the oven, still warm and sizzling, on a big platter for everyone to grab. They pair perfectly with comfort foods like mashed potatoes or roasted chicken. Whenever I make these, I get asked for the recipe, which makes me happy since they’re so simple but feel special. They’re just a great way to make green beans exciting and delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best for a crisp bite. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen works too—just thaw and pat dry to avoid sogginess.
Bacon: Regular sliced bacon is ideal for wrapping. Turkey bacon is a leaner option, but it may not get as crispy. Pancetta can also be a tasty swap if available.
Olive Oil: Helps season and roast green beans evenly. You can replace it with avocado oil or melted butter for a richer taste.
Garlic Powder & Herbs: Garlic powder adds simple flavor; feel free to use fresh minced garlic or onion powder. Fresh rosemary or thyme is optional but adds a lovely touch if you have them.
How Can I Get Crispy Bacon While Keeping Green Beans Tender?
Balancing crispy bacon with perfectly cooked green beans can be tricky. Here are my tips:
- Pat green beans dry before seasoning to prevent sogginess.
- Wrap bacon snugly but not too tight, so it crisps evenly.
- Place bundles seam side down on the baking sheet to keep them secure.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, checking at 20 mins to avoid burning.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—just watch carefully!
These small steps help bacon get crisp without overcooking the green beans, giving you a delicious, balanced bite every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a rimmed one helps catch any bacon drips and makes cleanup easier.
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil – prevents sticking and saves time on washing the baking sheet.
- Tongs – handy for turning bundles if you want extra even bacon crispness.
- Knife and cutting board – to trim green beans and cut bacon slices in half.
- Mixing bowl – to toss green beans with oil and seasonings evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for prosciutto for a thinner, saltier wrap that crisps quickly.
- Add a sprinkle of brown sugar or maple syrup on the bacon before baking for a sweet touch.
- Mix in thinly sliced almonds or chopped walnuts for extra crunch inside the bundle.
- Season green beans with smoked paprika or chili flakes for a mild smoky or spicy kick.
Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bundles:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and another 20-25 minutes for baking. So, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in around 35-40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil – this will help make cleanup quick and easy later on.
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
Rinse your fresh green beans and trim off the ends. Pat them dry well so they don’t steam when baking – a dry surface helps them roast perfectly.
3. Season the Beans:
Put the green beans in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper if you want. Toss everything together so the beans get an even coating of flavor.
4. Make the Bundles:
Divide the green beans into small bundles, about 8 to 10 beans each. Take half a slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around the middle of each bundle. Place each bundle on the lined baking sheet, with the seam side down to keep it secure while baking.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Bake your bundles in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the bacon to become crispy and the green beans to stay tender but with a little snap to them.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, optionally garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a beautiful presentation and extra aroma. Serve warm and enjoy your tasty, bacon-wrapped green bean bundles!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well, then pat dry before seasoning and wrapping. This helps prevent extra moisture that could make the bacon less crispy.
How Should I Store Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the bacon crispy.
Can I Prepare the Bundles Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bundles and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature for about 10 minutes before popping them in the oven.
What Are Some Flavor Variations I Can Try?
Try adding a sprinkle of brown sugar or maple syrup on the bacon before baking for a sweet twist, or season the green beans with smoked paprika or chili flakes for a little heat.
