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These green bean bundles wrapped in crispy bacon are the kind of retro holiday side dish that somehow find their way onto my table every single year. The combination of sweet brown sugar glaze and smoky bacon makes humble green beans completely irresistible for any celebration or potluck.
The first time I tried these was at my aunt’s Thanksgiving dinner and I was instantly hooked. Now I always double the batch because everyone fights for seconds.
Ingredients
- Fresh French green beans: choose vibrant, firm beans for the best texture and freshness
- Melted butter: adds richness and helps the glaze brown during baking, use high-quality unsalted butter
- Brown sugar: provides a caramel sweetness that balances the savory bacon and beans, look for moist dark brown sugar for deeper flavor
- Dan Os Cheesoning: or use your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend for extra umami and cheesiness, try to avoid overly salty varieties
- Soy sauce: infuses a savory hit that brightens the glaze, opt for a naturally brewed soy sauce
- Bacon: pick a good-quality bacon with enough fat to crisp up well, thick-cut works best for holding bundles together
Instructions
- Prepare the Green Beans:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and toss in the green beans. Let them cook for five to six minutes just until bright green and just tender. Quickly transfer the beans to a large bowl of ice water to completely stop the cooking. This step keeps the beans crisp and colorful.
- Make the Sweet Sauce:
- In a small bowl stir the melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce and Dan Os Cheesoning together until a thick paste forms. Set this sauce aside so the flavors meld while you prepare the bundles.
- Wrap the Bundles:
- Take half a slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around five to seven green beans making sure the ends overlap just a little. Place each bundle seam side down on a lined baking sheet or in a large ovenproof skillet. Sprinkle the top of each bundle with a pinch more Dan Os Cheesoning for extra flavor.
- Glaze and Bake:
- Spoon the brown sugar mixture generously over the top of each bundle making sure they are well coated. Slide the tray into the oven at four hundred degrees and bake for thirty to thirty five minutes. The bacon should be golden and crisp and the glaze should bubble and caramelize. Serve while hot.
I always get excited for the first bite of caramelized bacon and the gentle snap of green beans. My dad would always sneak extra bundles onto his plate before dinner even began so you could say this recipe has a playful side in our house.
Storage tips
These bundles keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Store in a sealed container and reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp up the bacon again. Avoid the microwave if possible as it softens the bacon too much.
Ingredient substitutions
You can use regular green beans if French are unavailable. Turkey bacon works for a lighter option though it will not crisp quite as much as pork bacon. For a dairy free version use olive oil instead of butter and check your seasoning blend labels.
Serving suggestions
These bundles are a show stopper on any holiday table but also make a tasty side for grilled chicken or steak. Pile them on a platter and let guests help themselves. Drizzle with a little extra glaze if you are feeling indulgent.
Cultural and seasonal context
Green bean bundles feel nostalgic in the best way and have roots in classic American potluck culture. Their popularity peaks around Thanksgiving and Christmas in the southern United States where bacon always has a place at the table.
Seasonal adaptations
In spring try adding a fine grate of lemon zest to the glaze for brightness. For November swap brown sugar for maple syrup to make it autumnal. When fresh beans are not in season frozen green beans will work, just blanch them briefly and pat dry.
Success Stories
I once made these for a tailgating party and they disappeared faster than the burgers. Cousins requested the recipe on the spot. The glaze truly makes the dish and gets everyone talking.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Wrap and assemble the bundles up to the point of baking then freeze on a tray until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. Bake straight from frozen, adding eight to ten minutes to the cooking time.
These bacon wrapped green bean bundles never last long at any gathering. Try them for your next holiday and watch everyone take seconds.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you keep green beans crisp after baking?
Blanching green beans before wrapping and baking helps retain their color and crisp texture, preventing them from becoming soggy.
- → Can I prepare the bundles ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bundles in advance and refrigerate. Add sauce and bake just before serving for best results.
- → What can I use instead of Dan-O's Cheesoning?
Substitute with any cheese-based seasoning blend or a mix of parmesan, dried herbs, and garlic powder.
- → Is it necessary to use French green beans?
No, regular green beans will work too. Just adjust blanching time depending on thickness.
- → Can I use turkey bacon for a lighter option?
Turkey bacon is a suitable alternative; just monitor baking time, as it may crisp up faster than pork bacon.