Last Thanksgiving, my college roommate Beth invited us to her new apartment for a potluck. I decided to bring something a little different from the usual green bean casserole.

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At the farmer’s market earlier that morning, the stall owner—an older gentleman who’d been growing French green beans for decades—handed me a free handful and said, “Try wrapping them with bacon. My grandkids love it.” Intrigued, I grabbed a pack of bacon and headed home.

That evening, as I blanched those bright green beans and wrapped each bundle, Beth’s daughter peeked over the counter and said, “That looks like a superhero snack!” We laughed, and by the time they hit the oven, the smell of bacon mingled with green veggies had everyone crowding the kitchen. When they came out, crispy and glossy, they disappeared faster than I could plate them. Beth’s husband asked if I had leftovers to freeze (I didn’t), and her daughter insisted they be part of every holiday meal going forward.

Now, I serve these at school potlucks, game nights, and lazy Sunday dinners. Cropping up again yesterday, my preschooler whispered, “These are the best green beans,” before stealing a whole bundle. They’re humble, tasty, and need little fuss—perfect for real-life family tables.

Short Description

Green Bean Bundles With Bacon feature bundles of fresh French green beans wrapped in bacon, coated in a sweet-savory butter and brown sugar glaze, then oven-roasted to crispy perfection—simple, crowd-pleasing side for all occasions.

Key Ingredients

1 lb fresh French green beans
4 Tbsp melted butter
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp Dan‑O’s Cheesoning seasoning
1 Tbsp soy sauce
6 slices bacon, cut in half (12 halves)

Tools Needed

Large pot
Bowl of ice water
Small mixing bowl
Baking sheet or oven-safe skillet
Tongs or fork

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Blanch the Beans
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook 5–6 minutes until tender-crisp. Immediately transfer to ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and pat dry.

Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, and Dan-O’s Cheesoning until thick and glossy. Set aside.

Step 3: Wrap the Bundles
Divide beans into 5–7 per bundle. Wrap each bundle with half a bacon slice and place them seam down on a baking sheet. Sprinkle a pinch of Cheesoning over each bundle.

Step 4: Glaze and Bake
Brush or spoon the glaze evenly over each bundle. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway, until bacon is crisp and glaze is caramelized.

Step 5: Serve Warm
Transfer bundles to a platter. Let sit 2–3 minutes (glaze thickens slightly), then serve hot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Boost: Smoky bacon meets sweet brown sugar and savory glaze.

Easy Prep: Quick blanch, wrap, bake—no complex steps.

Veggie Upgrade: Transforms everyday green beans into a crowd favorite.

Make-Ahead: Prep bundles ahead and bake when guests arrive.

Kid Approved: Fun bite-sized bundles make eating veggies a joy.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Soggy bacon: Ensure beans are fully dried before wrapping.

Pancaked bundles: Tuck bacon seam-side down to hold shape.

Burnt glaze: If sugar browns too fast, reduce oven temp to 375°F and add 5–10 minutes.

Wilted beans: Don’t over-blanch—they should stay bright green and slightly firm.

Slipping bacon: Use toothpicks if bundles unravel before baking.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Enjoy as a side for weeknight roasts, grilled chicken, or turkey.

Arrange buffet-style at potlucks or holiday gatherings.

Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or fresh salad.

Serve alongside sparkling cider or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate cooked bundles in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes to crisp bacon again.

Do not freeze—glaze doesn’t reheat well after freezing.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh is best for texture, but thaw and pat dry thoroughly before blanched.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce in the glaze.

3. What if I want spicy bundles?
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze for heat.

4. Can I cook on a grill?
Sure, use a grill pan or foil packet, cook over medium heat for about 20–25 minutes.

5. Are these good cold?
They’re best warm, but delicious at room temperature for picnics.

Tips & Tricks

Trim bean ends for cleaner bites.

Use thin bacon for quicker cooking and crispier texture.

Add fresh garlic powder to glaze for extra flavor kick.

Rotate pan halfway for even crisping.

Let glaze cool slightly after baking—it thickens and coats nicely.

Recipe Variations

Maple Mustard Twist
Mix 2 Tbsp maple syrup and 1 Tbsp whole-grain mustard into glaze. Brush on and bake.

Sesame Soy Glaze
Replace brown sugar with honey, add 1 tsp sesame oil, and sprinkle sesame seeds before baking.

Spicy Bundles
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter glaze for heat and flavor.

Cheesy Bacon Bundles
Top each bundle with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan in the last 5 minutes of baking.