Pin it
Bacon-glazed green beans are my guilty pleasure. They always create a buzz in my kitchen with their irresistible mix of crunch and sweet-salty flavors. The crispy bacon adds that indulgent touch that turns a basic veggie into something truly special. I whip this up for weeknight dinners and when friends come over too.
Why you'll fall in love with this dish
This dish has become a must-have on my table because it's so easy yet packed with rich flavors. The sweet glaze, crispy bacon and tender green beans create a perfect taste harmony. Whether it's just a regular meal or a holiday feast, this dish always gets tons of compliments with barely any work.
What you'll need for this amazing side
For perfect green beans, I grab about 700g of fresh, crunchy ones. Eight bacon slices, made nice and crispy, bring the salty kick. The glaze is where the magic happens - two tablespoons of melted butter, a quarter cup of brown sugar, three tablespoons each of honey and soy sauce. Spices make all the difference - garlic and onion powder, paprika, and a hint of dried thyme work together to create amazing flavor.
How I make it, step by step
First, I crisp up my bacon and chop it into small bits. In a bowl, I mix my magical sauce - melted butter, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce and all my spices. I spread the beans in an oven-safe dish, coat them generously with the sauce, and sprinkle bacon all over. Then into the oven at 190°C for 45 minutes, stirring once or twice. For the final touch, a few minutes under the broiler creates that heavenly caramelization that makes everything better.
My tricks for the best results
For cooking them just right, I flip the beans halfway through with a spatula. Putting them under the broiler at the end is my trick for a caramelized glaze and extra-crispy bacon. I always save some sauce to serve at the table - it's that little extra that really makes them special.
Pin it
Nutritional goodness included
What I love about this dish is how it balances tastiness with nutrition. The green beans give you fiber and vitamin C while the bacon adds protein. The sweet glaze isn't too over-the-top, with around 399 calories per serving. It's a hearty side that satisfies your taste buds without going overboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can frozen green beans be used?
- Absolutely! Just defrost and dry them thoroughly first. Cooking time might be shorter since they're pre-cooked.
- → How do I know when they’re done?
- They should be soft but still a bit firm. Use a fork to check if they’re ready.
- → Can I prep this ahead of time?
- You can make the sauce and bacon beforehand. Cook and combine just before serving to keep the bacon crispy.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
- Put them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the bacon crunchy.
- → Is the sauce really sweet?
- It’s a nice balance of sweet and salty. Reduce the brown sugar if you prefer it less sweet.