Crispy Sweet Green Bean Bacon Bundles
Fresh green beans are wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a sweet, savory brown sugar mixture for an irresistible appetizer or side dish. Perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, these bundles are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 bundles (4-6 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 10–12 thin-cut bacon strips
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Trim the ends off the green beans and rinse thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and plunge into ice water for 2 minutes. Drain again and pat dry.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place an oven-safe rack on top if available.
- Toss dried beans with olive oil, salt, and a pinch of black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Take 8–10 beans and lay them in a stack. Wrap tightly with one strip of bacon, overlapping ends underneath. Secure with a toothpick and place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Repeat until all beans and bacon are used.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Brush or spoon the glaze over each bundle, coating the bacon well.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bacon is golden and crisp. Flip bundles halfway through baking if not using a rack.
- If bacon needs more color, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
- Let bundles rest for 3 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks before plating.
Notes
Blanching the beans and using thin-cut bacon ensures crispiness and bright color. Prep bundles ahead and bake just before serving for best texture. For gluten-free, double-check bacon and seasonings. Try variations with asparagus, turkey bacon, or a spicy glaze. Avoid overcrowding the pan for maximum crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bundle
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: green bean bundles, bacon wrapped green beans, dinner party appetizer, holiday side dish, easy bacon recipe, sweet bacon glaze, crowd pleaser, gluten-free option