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
Scale
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
