Name: Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American Cuisine
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed; 12 slices thin-cut bacon, halved; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Crispy, smoky, and absolutely irresistible-these Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans are the very best way to upgrade your side dish game! Every bundle is packed with sweet-tender green beans, wrapped in salty bacon, glazed with a hint of savory sweetness, and roasted until golden and caramelized.

This is the perfect recipe when you need a wow-worthy appetizer for a party or a crowd-pleasing side at your next holiday feast. It's also weeknight-easy, coming together with just a handful of staple ingredients and minimal prep time.

Trust me, everyone will be reaching for seconds-these bundles never last long at my family's table. Inspired by classic Southern flavors, it's a long-time favorite you'll want to make again and again!

Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans on a serving platter, glistening with sweet glaze

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Flavor-packed and impressive: Smoky bacon, sweet green beans, and a caramelized glaze are a magical combo!
Perfect for any occasion: Works as a show-stopping side for holidays or as a fun party appetizer.
Easy to prep and bake: Minimal steps and no fancy tools needed-great for any home cook.
Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly: Irresistible for both picky eaters and gourmet guests.

Key Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Fresh Green Beans

The star of the show! Choose fresh, bright green beans for the best texture and taste. Trim the ends and try to pick beans of similar size to help them cook evenly in their bacon blankets. You can use French haricots verts for a thinner, extra-tender bite, or even opt for thawed frozen green beans in a pinch, though they may be softer.

Bacon

Bacon is what makes these bundles truly shine. Use regular thin-cut bacon-it crisps up perfectly and doesn't overwhelm the green beans. Thick-cut bacon takes too long to cook and may end up chewy. Feel free to try smoked or peppered bacon for an extra flavor twist.

Brown Sugar

A sprinkle of brown sugar adds a lovely touch of caramelized sweetness and helps the bacon glaze and crisp in the oven. You can use light or dark brown sugar. There's also room to swap in a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for a slightly different sweetness.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder delivers a subtle, savory depth that complements both the beans and the bacon. If you want a fresh garlic flavor, you can toss minced garlic with the green beans, but garlic powder blends more evenly. Onion powder is a nice swap if you're out of garlic powder.

Olive Oil

A light drizzle of olive oil helps the beans roast properly without drying out. You can use another neutral oil like avocado oil if you prefer. If you want to keep it extra decadent, even a little melted butter works!

Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans cooking process

Instructions for Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep and Blanch the Green Beans

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 3 minutes, just until bright green and crisp-tender, then immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well and pat dry-this step helps maintain vibrant color and perfect texture.

Season and Bundle

Place the blanched green beans in a bowl and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gather 6-8 green beans at a time and tightly wrap with a half-slice of bacon. Secure the bacon ends under the bundle and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining beans and bacon.

Sprinkle and Bake

Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over each green bean bundle-this is what creates that delicious sweet-savory glaze. Arrange the bundles with a little space between each for optimal crisping. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is golden, crisp, and caramelized.

Broil for Extra Crispiness

If you love your bacon extra crispy, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning! The edges should bubble and brown beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the bundles cool for a minute before transferring to a platter-they'll crisp up as they rest. Serve warm, garnished with cracked pepper or a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy the perfect bite!

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

For a smoky kick, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika on each bundle before baking. You can also brush the bacon with a little sriracha or hot honey for a spicy-sweet finish.

Maple-Glazed Bacon

Swap the brown sugar for pure maple syrup. Just brush a little maple syrup over each bundle before baking-this gives a gorgeous, glossy finish and irresistible rich sweetness.

Vegetarian Twist

Want to skip the bacon? Wrap the green beans with thin strips of smoked provolone or grilled zucchini for a flavorful, meatless option. Secure with toothpicks and bake until melty or tender.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This dish is naturally gluten-free, but if you use store-bought bacon with any added sauces or flavorings, double-check the label for hidden gluten ingredients.

Add Cheese

For an extra-indulgent touch, tuck a small piece of sharp cheddar or Parmesan under the bacon as you wrap the bundles. It melts into the beans and adds a wonderfully gooey bite.

Serving Suggestions

Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans pair perfectly with roast chicken, steak, or holiday mains like turkey or ham. For a complete meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or garlic herb rice. Garnish your platter with lots of chopped fresh parsley and a twist of cracked black pepper for an elegant finishing touch.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, arrange the bundles on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until hot and bacon crisps again. Avoid the microwave to keep the bacon from turning soggy. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the green beans becomes mushy after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Assemble the bundles up to a day ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh before serving. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the fridge.

Q: Can I use frozen green beans?

A: Yes, thawed frozen green beans work in a pinch, but they may turn out softer after baking than fresh ones. Pat them as dry as possible for best results.

Q: How do I keep the bacon from unwrapping?

A: Wrapping tightly and placing the bundles seam-side down will usually do the trick, but you can secure each bundle with a toothpick if you want extra assurance.

Ready to wow your guests with these crave-worthy Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans? They're the ultimate side or starter-so easy and so delicious, you'll want to make them for every special meal. If you try this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and rating below. I can't wait to hear how you like them!

★★★★★ 4.70 from 164 ratings