Delicious Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
These Delicious Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are a perfect mix of crispy, smoky bacon hugging fresh, crunchy green beans. They bring together the best of both worlds: the salty goodness…
Tip: save now, cook later.These Delicious Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are a perfect mix of crispy, smoky bacon hugging fresh, crunchy green beans. They bring together the best of both worlds: the salty goodness of bacon and the bright, tender snap of green beans. It’s a simple bite that’s full of flavor and texture.
I love making these bundles for family dinners or holiday gatherings because they’re always a hit, disappearing way too fast! A little tip I’ve picked up is to secure the bacon with toothpicks so everything stays perfectly together while cooking. Plus, wrapping green beans in bacon makes them feel like a little treat even though they’re veggies.
My favorite way to serve these is straight off the oven, still warm and sizzling, as a side dish or a snack that pairs great with almost any main course. Whenever I bring these to a get-together, people always ask for the recipe—there’s just something about that crispy bacon wrapped around fresh greens that’s hard to beat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best for a crisp texture. If fresh aren’t available, frozen green beans work—just thaw and pat dry to avoid sogginess.
Bacon: Regular sliced bacon adds crispiness and flavor. For a leaner option, try turkey bacon or center-cut bacon, but it may be less crispy.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps season the bundles. You can substitute with avocado or vegetable oil if you prefer a milder oil taste.
Seasonings: Salt and pepper are essential. Garlic powder or smoked paprika add a nice depth but are optional. Feel free to experiment with chili powder for a spicy kick.
How Do You Keep Bacon Crispy Without Burning the Green Beans?
Wrapping bacon around green beans means balancing cooking times so the bacon crisps up without overcooking the beans. Here’s how:
- Blanch green beans first: Boil them briefly then plunge into ice water. This softens beans so they won’t need long in the oven.
- Oven temperature: Roast at a high heat (around 400°F) for even bacon crispiness.
- Place bundles seam-side down: Keeps bacon tight and helps it cook evenly.
- Use toothpicks: Secure the bacon so it doesn’t unravel during baking.
Keep an eye on them near the end of baking so they’re nice and crisp but green beans stay tender.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for roasting the bundles evenly and catching bacon drippings.
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper – makes cleanup fast and keeps the pan from sticking.
- Large pot – for blanching the green beans to soften them just right.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – helps you quickly move beans from boiling water to ice bath.
- Toothpicks – great for holding bacon securely around the bundles while baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for prosciutto for a lighter, saltier twist that crisps quickly.
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan or crumbled feta inside the bundles for a cheesy surprise.
- Mix in roasted red pepper strips or thin carrot sticks for a splash of color and sweetness.
- Try a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top after baking for a tangy, rich finish.
Delicious Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Green Beans and Wrapping:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 12 slices of bacon (standard slices)
For Seasoning:
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking. In total, plan on roughly 30-35 minutes from start to finish, including blanching the green beans and wrapping the bundles.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for an easy cleanup afterward.
2. Blanch the Green Beans:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After cooling, drain and pat them dry thoroughly.
3. Wrap the Green Beans:
Divide the green beans into 12 equal bundles, with about 8-10 beans in each. Wrap one slice of bacon tightly around each bundle, tucking in the ends underneath or securing with a toothpick if needed.
4. Season and Bake:
Place the bundles seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush or drizzle olive oil over them, and season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and optionally garlic powder or smoked paprika. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and browned, and the green beans are tender.
5. Serve:
Remove the bundles from the oven. Discard toothpicks if you used them to secure the bacon. Serve warm and enjoy these delicious, savory bundles as a wonderful side dish or appetizer!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before bundling and baking. This helps prevent sogginess and keeps the bacon crispy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the bacon crispy.
Can I Prepare These Bundles Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bundles a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add the olive oil and seasonings right before placing them in the oven.
What Are Some Flavor Variations I Can Try?
Try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or parmesan cheese inside the bundles for extra flavor. You could also swap bacon for prosciutto for a lighter twist.
