Crack Green Beans Recipe
Introduction
Crack Green Beans are a deliciously addictive side dish, combining tender green beans with a rich, sweet, and savory glaze of butter, brown sugar, bacon, and soy sauce. Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 5 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- ⅔ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble and set aside.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 4: Place drained green beans in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top and toss to coat. Sprinkle with the crumbled bacon.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Step 6: Serve warm — these beans are sweet, savory, and irresistibly rich!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy bacon, broil the dish for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
- Use fresh green beans by trimming and blanching them before baking for a firmer texture.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Try substituting half the brown sugar with honey and adding minced garlic for a honey garlic twist.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar or parmesan over the top before baking for a cheesy version.
- For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or vegetarian bacon bits for smoky flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through. The flavors develop more overnight. Avoid freezing as the green beans may become mushy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Crack Green Beans ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready, bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Absolutely. Thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which helps the glaze cling instead of becoming watery.
PrintCrack Green Beans Recipe
Crack Green Beans is a sweet and savory side dish featuring tender green beans baked in a rich glaze of butter, brown sugar, crispy bacon, and soy sauce. This irresistible recipe delivers a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for holidays or weeknight dinners alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Green Beans
- 5 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained
Bacon
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
Glaze
- ⅔ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Crumble when cooled and set aside, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
- Make the Glaze: To the skillet with reserved bacon grease, add melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir over low heat until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and the butter has fully melted, creating a rich glaze.
- Prepare Green Beans: If using canned green beans, ensure they are thoroughly drained and patted dry. For fresh green beans, trim ends and blanch in boiling salted water for 3–4 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the green beans evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the glaze over them, tossing gently or stirring to coat all beans evenly. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top, gently pressing it into the glaze to help it adhere.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–40 minutes until the sauce bubbles and thickens around the edges, and the bacon caramelizes slightly. For extra crispy bacon bits, broil the dish for the final 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the glaze to thicken fully. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish complementing roasted chicken, steak, ham, or turkey.
Notes
- You can assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate; add 5–10 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- For frozen green beans, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid watery glaze.
- Reduce brown sugar to ¼ cup and increase soy sauce if a less sweet flavor is preferred.
- To make it vegetarian, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or vegetarian bacon bits for smokiness.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the glaze for heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator; avoid freezing as texture deteriorates.
Keywords: Crack Green Beans, baked green beans, sweet and savory side dish, bacon green beans, holiday side dish
