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Green Bean Bundles

Green Bean Bundles are an elegant side dish that transforms humble green beans into something restaurant-worthy with minimal effort. Wrapped in bacon and glazed with brown sugar and butter, these bundles deliver smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite. Perfect for holiday tables, weeknight dinners, or any meal that needs a vegetable upgrade.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 pounds fresh green beans trimmed
  • 12 slices bacon cut in half
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder optional but recommended

Equipment

  • Large pot or colander for blanching
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Sharp knife for chopping
  • Cutting board
  • Kitchen twine or toothpicks
  • Small saucepan for melting butter
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Oven mitts

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and position a rack in the upper third of the oven. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or leave it bare.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the trimmed green beans. Boil for 4 to 5 minutes until bright green and just barely tender.
  3. Transfer the beans to a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.
  4. Gather small handfuls of about 15 to 20 green beans into neat bundles. You should have approximately 6 bundles total.
  5. Wrap each bundle tightly with a halved slice of bacon around the middle to secure it. Place each wrapped bundle seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, spacing them apart.
  6. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the brown sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 2 minutes.
  7. Pour the warm glaze evenly over all the bacon-wrapped bundles, coating them well and drizzling into any gaps.
  8. Place the baking dish on the upper rack of the preheated oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
  9. Remove the bundles from the oven and let rest in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
  10. Transfer the bundles to a serving dish using a wide spatula, spooning any extra glaze over the top. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Notes

Pat the green beans completely dry after blanching to ensure crispy bacon. Blanching is important for tender beans and even bacon cooking. Use the upper third of the oven for best caramelization. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes.