If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crisp, smoky bacon with tender green beans, then you’re going to adore this Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles Recipe. It’s a delightful creation that transforms simple green beans into an elegant, flavor-packed side or appetizer. Imagine fresh green beans lightly seasoned, bundled snugly in sweet and smoky bacon, and baked until that bacon crisps just right. This recipe is not only straightforward but also irresistibly delicious, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and visual appeal of your Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles Recipe. Fresh green beans bring vibrant color and crunch, while the bacon adds saltiness and a smoky richness that makes every bite unforgettable. And those seasonings? They sneak in layers of flavor that take this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
- 12 ounces fresh green beans: Washed and trimmed ends ensure perfect tenderness and snap.
- 5 slices thin-cut bacon: Cut into thirds for perfectly portioned wraps that crisp beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the beans to enhance their natural flavor.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the bundles.
- ½ teaspoon granulated onion: Brings a mild savory sweetness that enhances both beans and bacon.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Sprinkled on bacon to introduce a caramelized sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a gentle smoky undertone that elevates the entire dish.
- Toothpicks: Used to secure each bundle tightly for cooking without unraveling.
- Olive oil: A light drizzle ensures crisping and adds a hint of richness.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by adjusting your oven rack to the middle-lower position and preheating to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil and give it a light spray of nonstick spray to make cleanup easy and keep those bundles from sticking. This prep sets the scene for beautifully cooked bundles that come out crisp and perfect every time.
Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting, prepare a large bowl of ice water — this ice bath is key to stopping the beans from overcooking and locking in that gorgeous bright green color and tender crunch. Boil the green beans for 1 to 3 minutes until they’re just barely tender but still have a firm snap, then immediately plunge them into the ice water. After chilling, dry the beans thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the bacon wraps crisp up without steam getting in the way.
Step 3: Season the Green Beans
Once dry, toss the green beans with kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, and granulated onion. This simple seasoning mix adds brightness and a lovely savory note to the beans before they get enveloped in bacon.
Step 4: Prepare the Bacon
Lay out the cut bacon strips and sprinkle them generously with granulated onion, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. This seasoning mixture not only adds caramelized sweetness but also layers of smoky, savory goodness that pairs beautifully with the bacon’s natural richness.
Step 5: Assemble the Bundles
Gather about 6 to 7 green beans and wrap each bundle with one-third slice of the prepared bacon, making sure the brown sugar seasoning side is facing up for maximum caramelization. Secure each bundle with a toothpick to keep everything in place during baking. Place the bundles on the foil-lined baking sheet with 1 to 2 inches of space between them for even cooking. Finish by drizzling a bit of olive oil over the bundles to promote a golden, crispy finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Crisp
Bake in your preheated oven at 400°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, watching carefully until the bacon crisps to perfection. The sweet, smoky bacon combined with tender, flavorful green beans creates a bite that’s both satisfying and impressive.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, these bacon wrapped green bean bundles are best enjoyed immediately while warm and crispy. They’re guaranteed to disappear quickly, so have plenty on hand!
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can brighten the dish visually and add a refreshing herbal note that cuts through the richness of the bacon. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can also elevate the crunch and flavor.
Side Dishes
These bundles shine as a side to roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a hearty pasta dish. They bring a burst of smoky, sweet, and savory flavor that complements a variety of main courses beautifully. For a vegetarian-friendly twist, serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh summer salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the bundles standing up in a small glass or on a platter with dipping sauces like a tangy mustard or smoky maple glaze. They can also be threaded onto skewers for an eye-catching appetizer option that invites guests to grab and enjoy easily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover bundles in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows you to enjoy their decadent flavor without the hassle of making them from scratch every time.
Freezing
While bacon wrapped green bean bundles are best fresh, you can freeze them after cooking by placing the cooled bundles on a baking sheet to freeze individually and then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover bundles on a foil-lined baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and crispy again, about 10 to 15 minutes. This method preserves their texture much better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use thick-cut bacon for this recipe?
Thin-cut bacon is preferred because it crisps up nicely and wraps easily around the green beans. Thick-cut bacon may take longer to cook and could overpower the bundle, but if you like a meatier bite, just be sure to watch the baking time closely.
Is it necessary to blanch the green beans before wrapping?
Yes, blanching ensures the green beans are tender yet still crisp and bright green. It also helps them cook evenly when baked wrapped in bacon without becoming too soft.
Can I prepare the bundles ahead of time before baking?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bundles a few hours ahead and refrigerate them wrapped in plastic wrap. Just bring them to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika or a tiny pinch of chili powder can be used as substitutes; however, smoked paprika adds a unique depth and smokiness that pairs perfectly with the bacon.
Are these bundles good for a party or just a side dish?
They work wonderfully for both! These bundles are elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. Their bite-sized nature makes them an ideal party appetizer or a hearty side dish.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles Recipe. It’s a straightforward, flavor-packed way to take fresh green beans to the next level, wrapped in smoky, sweet bacon that crisps perfectly every time. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a savory side, these bundles promise smiles all around. Trust me, once you try them, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen too!
Print
Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are a savory and slightly sweet appetizer perfect for gatherings or as a side dish. Fresh green beans are lightly blanched, seasoned, then wrapped in thin-cut bacon flavored with brown sugar and smoked paprika, baked until the bacon is perfectly crisp. The combination of tender green beans and crispy, caramelized bacon creates a delicious bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Green Bean Bundles
- 12 ounces fresh green beans (washed & ends trimmed)
- 5 slices thin-cut bacon (cut across into thirds)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for the beans, plus extra for boiling water)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated onion
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Toothpicks for securing the bacon
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Adjust the oven rack to the middle-lower position and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water and have a slotted spoon or spider utensil ready. Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for 1 to 3 minutes until they are partially cooked but still crisp. Immediately transfer the beans to the ice water to stop cooking.
- Dry and Season the Beans: After 2 minutes in the ice water, transfer the beans to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon granulated onion to season.
- Prepare the Bacon: Lay the bacon slices on a flat surface. Sprinkle the bacon with granulated onion, brown sugar, and smoked paprika evenly to add sweetness and smoky flavor.
- Assemble Bundles: Wrap 6 to 7 green beans with one third of a bacon slice, keeping the brown sugar side facing up for optimal caramelization. Secure each bundle with a toothpick and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing the bundles 1 to 2 inches apart. Drizzle the bundles lightly with olive oil to promote browning.
- Bake the Bundles: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook at 400°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and caramelized.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bundles from the oven, let them cool slightly, then serve immediately as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- Be sure to pat the green beans completely dry after blanching to help the bacon crisp up properly.
- You can adjust the number of green beans per bundle to your liking, just ensure even bacon coverage and secure with toothpicks.
- Use thin-cut bacon for fast and even cooking; thick-cut bacon may take longer and may not crisp as well.
- The brown sugar and smoked paprika add a wonderful sweet and smoky flavor that complements the savory bacon and fresh beans.
- For a spicier twist, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper on the bacon before wrapping.
