COLORFUL
Welcome to a delightful culinary journey where simplicity meets flavor! I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that’s close to my heart – Green Bean Bundles. These aren’t just any side dish; they’re a bundle of joy, wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a sweet, savory glaze that will excite your taste buds. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in, these green bean bundles are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- They’re incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and fun.
- A fantastic flavor combination. The combination of tender green beans and crispy bacon, all sweetened with a brown sugar glaze, creates a taste sensation that’s hard to beat.
- It’s a versatile dish. Perfect as a side for a fancy dinner or a casual barbecue.
Green Bean Bundles Ingredients
- Whole Green Beans
- Bacon
- Butter
- Brown Sugar
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Toothpicks
*Scroll to Printable Recipe Card below for detailed amounts!
How to Make Green Bean Bundles
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 48
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the Bacon: Cut the bacon into 3 equal sections width wise. This will give you roughly 48 small individual pieces of bacon.
- Make the Bundles: Open the cans of green beans and drain them thoroughly. Gather a small handful of green beans (about 3-5, depending on their size) and place them at the end of a piece of bacon then roll until you make a bundle. Use a toothpick to secure the bundle then place it into a 9X13 inch baking dish. Repeat this process until all the green beans and bacon are used.
- Pre-Bake the Bundles: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and drain the grease from the dish. (This step allows the bacon to get a bit crispy before adding the glaze.
- Season the Bundles: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed. Evenly spoon this mixture over the par baked green bean bundles, ensuring they are well coated.
- Finish Baking: Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the bacon is cooked to your liking and the brown sugar mixture bubbly.
- Serving: Once done, remove the green bean bundles from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These bundles can be served as a delicious side dish for a variety of main courses.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
How to Store Green Bean Bundles:
Leftover Green Bean Bundles are just as delicious! To store, cool them completely and then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
How to Reheat Green Bean Bundles:
When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F until they’re heated through. This method helps retain their texture much better than microwaving.
Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Can This Be Frozen?
Absolutely! These bundles freeze beautifully. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven as described above.
Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the bundles as instructed, but don’t bake them. Instead, cover them and store them in the refrigerator up to a day ahead. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as directed. This makes your meal prep easier, especially for gatherings.
Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a healthier twist, try turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use a sprinkle of smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. For those who prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.
Helpful Cooking Notes
- Green Beans: Choose fresh, firm green beans for the best texture. If using canned, ensure they are well-drained to avoid sogginess.
- Bacon: For evenly cooked bacon, avoid overlapping the bundles in the pan.
- Baking Dish: Use a dish just big enough to fit the bundles snugly; this helps them cook evenly.
- Serving Suggestion: These bundles pair wonderfully with grilled meats or a hearty roast.
Try Some of our Other Favorite Side Dish Recipes
INGREDIENTS
- 3 14.5 oz cans of Whole Green Beans, drained
- 16 oz Package of of bacon, about 16 slices
- 1 stick of Butter, melted
- 2 cups Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 48 Toothpicks
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the Bacon: Cut the bacon into 3 equal sections width wise. This will give you roughly 48 small individual pieces of bacon.
- Make the Bundles: Open the cans of green beans and drain them thoroughly. Gather a small handful of green beans (about 3-5, depending on their size) and place them at the end of a piece of bacon then roll until you make a bundle. Use a toothpick to secure the bundle then place it into a 9X13 inch baking dish. Repeat this process until all the green beans and bacon are used.
- Pre-Bake the Bundles: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and drain the grease from the dish. (This step allows the bacon to get a bit crispy before adding the glaze.
- Season the Bundles: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed. Evenly spoon this mixture over the par baked green bean bundles, ensuring they are well coated.
- Finish Baking: Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the bacon is cooked to your liking and the brown sugar mixture bubbly.
- Serving: Once done, remove the green bean bundles from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These bundles can be served as a delicious side dish for a variety of main courses.
NOTES
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
How to Store Green Bean Bundles:
Leftover Green Bean Bundles are just as delicious! To store, cool them completely and then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.How to Reheat Green Bean Bundles:
When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F until they’re heated through. This method helps retain their texture much better than microwaving.Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Can This Be Frozen?
Absolutely! These bundles freeze beautifully. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven as described above.Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the bundles as instructed, but don’t bake them. Instead, cover them and store them in the refrigerator up to a day ahead. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as directed. This makes your meal prep easier, especially for gatherings.Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a healthier twist, try turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use a sprinkle of smoked paprika for that smoky flavor. For those who prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.Helpful Cooking Notes
- Green Beans: Choose fresh, firm green beans for the best texture. If using canned, ensure they are well-drained to avoid sogginess.
- Bacon: For evenly cooked bacon, avoid overlapping the bundles in the pan.
- Baking Dish: Use a dish just big enough to fit the bundles snugly; this helps them cook evenly.
- Serving Suggestion: These bundles pair wonderfully with grilled meats or a hearty roast.