Crack Green Beans Recipe
Introduction
Crack Green Beans offer a deliciously sweet and savory twist on a classic vegetable side. This dish combines tender green beans with a rich glaze, crispy beef bacon, and a hint of spice for an irresistible flavor combination perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 5 cans cut green beans, drained
- 8 slices beef bacon, cooked and chopped
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ tsp fresh garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp kosher salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the beef bacon until crispy, then remove from the skillet, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Step 2: In the skillet with the reserved bacon fat, sauté the minced garlic over medium-low heat for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 3: Add the melted butter to the skillet. Stir in the light brown sugar until it dissolves. Then add the soy sauce and apple cider vinegar. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes, if using. Whisk the mixture until smooth and taste; add kosher salt if needed.
- Step 4: Drain the green beans and place them in the prepared baking dish. Pour the warm glaze over the beans and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the chopped crispy beef bacon over the glazed green beans and toss gently. Spread the mixture in an even layer.
- Step 5: Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the green beans are tender-crisp and the glaze caramelizes. Stir once after 15 minutes for even cooking. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before stirring gently and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, try using thick-cut bacon or add a splash of liquid smoke to the glaze.
- If you prefer fresh green beans, blanch them before baking for the best texture.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different depth of sweetness.
Storage
Store leftover Crack Green Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat to maintain the glaze without drying out the beans.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, fresh green beans work well. Blanch them first in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes, then drain before proceeding with the recipe to ensure they cook evenly in the oven.
Is beef bacon necessary, or can I substitute with pork bacon?
You can substitute pork bacon if preferred. It will slightly change the flavor but still provide the rich, crispy texture that complements the dish.
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Crack Green Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Crack Green Beans are a deliciously addictive side dish featuring tender green beans coated in a sweet and savory glaze of brown sugar, butter, soy sauce, and garlic, topped with crispy beef bacon. This oven-baked recipe combines rich flavors and textures to create a perfect accompaniment for any meal.
Ingredients
Green Beans and Bacon
- 5 cans cut green beans, drained
- 8 slices beef bacon, cooked and chopped
Glaze
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ tsp fresh garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp kosher salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Bacon: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook 8 slices of beef bacon until crispy in a skillet. Remove the bacon, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet for the glaze.
- Create Glaze Base: Using the reserved bacon fat in the skillet, sauté 1 ½ teaspoons of minced garlic over medium-low heat for 30 to 60 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic to maintain a smooth flavor.
- Finish the Glaze: Add ¾ cup of melted unsalted butter to the skillet with the garlic. Stir in ⅔ cup light brown sugar until it dissolves. Then whisk in 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Add ½ teaspoon black pepper and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk together until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding up to ¼ teaspoon kosher salt if needed.
- Combine and Bake: Drain the 5 cans of cut green beans and transfer them into the prepared baking dish. Pour the warm glaze over the beans and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every bean. Sprinkle the chopped crispy beef bacon evenly over the glazed green beans and toss lightly again to combine. Spread the beans in a single, even layer in the dish.
- Bake and Serve: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until the green beans are tender-crisp and the glaze is caramelized. Stir once halfway through, at about 15 minutes, to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then give a gentle stir before serving to distribute the glaze and bacon.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, reserve some of the bacon pieces to sprinkle on top after baking.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat.
- Make sure not to burn the garlic when sautéing; this will keep the glaze flavorful without bitterness.
- This dish is best served warm as a side for roasted meats, grilled dishes, or holiday meals.
- Using canned green beans saves prep time but you can substitute with fresh steamed green beans if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Keywords: crack green beans, green bean side dish, baked green beans, sweet and savory green beans, bacon green beans
