Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are a simple and tasty side dish that brings together crisp green beans and smoky bacon in a perfect little package. The green beans stay crunchy,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are a simple and tasty side dish that brings together crisp green beans and smoky bacon in a perfect little package. The green beans stay crunchy, while the bacon crisps up just right, making these bundles both fun to eat and full of flavor. They’re a great way to jazz up your veggies and make them a real highlight of any meal.
I love making these bundles whenever we have guests because they’re so easy to prepare ahead of time. Wrapping the green beans with bacon feels a little like gift-wrapping food, which always makes me smile! A tip I’ve learned is to secure the bundles with toothpicks to keep everything together as they cook – it really helps the bacon get nice and crispy all around.
These bundles are perfect for holiday dinners or casual get-togethers, and they pair wonderfully with just about any main dish. I like to serve them alongside roast chicken or a simple grilled steak. They add a little crunch and a lot of flavor, making even picky eaters excited about green beans. Plus, they disappear fast, which is always a good sign in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are the star here. They stay crunchy and fresh. If fresh aren’t available, frozen green beans can work but thaw and dry them well to avoid sogginess.
Bacon: Regular sliced bacon gives a great crispy, smoky wrap. For a leaner option, try turkey bacon, though it won’t get as crispy or smoky.
Olive Oil & Seasonings: Olive oil helps seasoning stick and adds a bit of richness. Garlic powder adds flavor without moisture, so it’s perfect here. You can swap garlic powder for onion powder or smoked paprika for a twist.
Herbs (optional): Fresh thyme or rosemary add lovely aroma and taste. You can also try oregano or sage depending on your preference.
How Do You Wrap Bacon Tightly Around Green Bean Bundles Without It Falling Apart?
Wrapping bacon so it stays snug can be tricky. Here’s how I make it easy:
- Cut bacon slices in half so they’re easier to handle and wrap.
- Gather green beans into tight bundles, keeping them compact but not squished.
- Wrap the bacon around the center of each bundle, overlapping the bacon edges slightly.
- Press the ends of the bacon under the bundle to secure, or use a toothpick if needed.
- Place bundles seam side down on the baking sheet to help hold the bacon in place during cooking.
This method helps the bacon crisp evenly and your bundles stay neat and delicious!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – you’ll need a flat surface for even cooking and crisping of the bacon-wrapped bundles.
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil – makes cleanup quick and stops the bacon from sticking to the pan.
- Kitchen scissors or sharp knife – handy for cutting bacon slices in half.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for tossing green beans with oil and seasonings evenly.
- Tongs or fork – helps turn bundles halfway through baking to get bacon crispy on all sides.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try wrapping bundles with prosciutto for a saltier, thinner alternative to bacon.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top after baking for a nice cheesy crust.
- Include sliced almonds or chopped pecans inside the bundles for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Mix in red pepper flakes with the seasoning if you like a little heat and spice.
Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8 slices of bacon
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to bake, making the total time around 30-35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This will make cleanup easy and prevent sticking.
2. Season the Green Beans:
Toss the trimmed green beans with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well coated.
3. Form the Bundles:
Divide the green beans into 8 equal bundles. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise and wrap one half around each green bean bundle. Tuck the bacon ends underneath the bundle to hold it securely.
4. Bake to Perfection:
Place the bacon-wrapped bundles on the baking sheet with the seam side down. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the green beans are tender-crisp. Turning the bundles halfway through the baking time helps them cook evenly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the bundles from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary if you like. Let them cool a bit before serving. Enjoy your tasty, crunchy, and smoky green bean bundles!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before wrapping to avoid excess moisture that could make the bacon soggy.
How Can I Make Sure the Bacon Stays Wrapped During Baking?
Wrap the bacon tightly around the green bean bundles and place them seam side down on the baking sheet. If needed, secure with a toothpick to keep everything in place.
Can I Prepare These Bundles Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bundles and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours. When ready, bake them directly from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the bacon crispy.
