Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Get ready for the side dish that steals the show! These bacon-wrapped green bean bundles are the perfect blend of crispy, salty bacon hugging tender, seasoned green beans. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people forget they’re eating vegetables.

The magic happens when the brown sugar-butter glaze caramelizes around the bacon, creating irresistible sweet-and-savory bundles that look as impressive as they taste. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or any time you want to elevate your veggie game.

Ingredients

For the Bundles:

• 1 1/4 pounds green beans (French haricot vert preferred)
• 6 slices bacon, cut in half (regular cut, not thick-cut)
• Cooking spray

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt (or 1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder and salt)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place bacon strips on a sheet pan and par-bake for 7 minutes until slightly cooked but still pliable. Remove from oven and let cool enough to handle.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Meanwhile, trim the woody ends from green beans.
3. Blanch green beans for 2-3 minutes until bright green and barely tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. This preserves their crisp texture and vibrant color.
4. Thoroughly pat green beans dry with paper towels. Any excess moisture will prevent the glaze from adhering properly.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, garlic salt, and pepper until sugar begins to dissolve. Pour over dried green beans and toss until evenly coated.
6. Bundle 8-10 green beans together and wrap with one half-slice of par-cooked bacon. Secure with a toothpick through the center. Place bundles on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray, leaving space between each.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until bacon is crispy and glaze is caramelized. Watch carefully in the final minutes to prevent burning. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Smart Swaps

• Use turkey bacon for a lighter version (reduce initial baking time to 5 minutes)
• Substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar at a 1:1 ratio
• Try asparagus spears instead of green beans (reduce blanching time to 1 minute)

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Replace brown sugar with 2 tablespoons monk fruit sweetener
• Use center-cut bacon to reduce fat content by 30%
• Portion into smaller bundles of 5-6 green beans each
• Serve alongside protein to help regulate blood sugar response

Pro Tips

• Choose beans of similar thickness for even cooking
• Don’t skip the ice bath – it ensures perfectly crisp-tender beans
• Let bacon come to room temperature for easier wrapping
• Use metal toothpicks for easier removal after cooking