Crack Green Beans bring a sweet and savory flavor to your Thanksgiving table, making them a must-try side dish. The delightful combination of crisp green beans and the richness of bacon, combined with a sweet glaze, creates a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, and it will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Crack Green Beans
This dish is a fantastic addition to your table for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients. You can use fresh green beans or canned ones, which makes it versatile. The sweet and savory glaze complements the natural flavor of the string beans, making it irresistible. Plus, it’s an excellent way to introduce more vegetables into your meals without compromising on taste. If you’re looking for a side that pairs well with turkey or ham, this is the ideal choice. And the best part? It takes just 40 minutes from start to finish!
Ingredients for Crack Green Beans
Gather these items:
- 2 cans Canned Green Beans (Ensure they are thoroughly drained for a perfect texture.)
- 4 strips Bacon (Can substitute with turkey bacon or coconut bacon for a lighter option.)
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Creates that sweet stickiness; honey or maple syrup work well as substitutes.)
- 4 tablespoons Butter (Feel free to use margarine or plant-based butter if desired.)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Opt for low-sodium if watching your salt intake.)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can also be a great alternative.)
How to Make Crack Green Beans Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all your ingredients and equipment, including a large baking dish.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder until combined and sugar dissolves.
- Step 4: Drain 2 cans of green beans thoroughly. Place drained beans in a large baking dish.
- Step 5: Add most of the crispy bacon to the green beans along with the prepared glaze. Gently toss to coat.
- Step 6: Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish, sprinkle reserved bacon on top, and bake for about 30 minutes until bubbly and caramelized.
- Step 7: Optionally, for an extra crispy top, broil for 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Pro Tips for the Best Crack Green Beans
Keep these in mind:
- Using fresh green beans will enhance the dish’s texture and flavor. If you’re unsure, check out tips for snapping green beans to ensure they are at their best.
- For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze.
- Make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on your oven’s heat; some may cook faster than others. This dish is a vegetarian option if you swap out the bacon.
Best Ways to Serve Crack Green Beans
This dish is perfect alongside your holiday turkey or ham. You can also serve it with roasted chicken or as part of a vegetarian meal. For a more substantial side, consider adding sautéed green beans to your meal prep for the week. They can be a delightful addition to salads, too!
How to Store and Reheat Crack Green Beans
To store your cracked green beans, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This makes them a fantastic option for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crack Green Beans
What’s the secret to perfect Crack Green Beans?
The secret lies in selecting the freshest ingredients, especially when using fresh green beans. Properly draining canned beans is also crucial to maintain the right texture. Always taste the glaze before mixing it with the beans; you can adjust sweetness or saltiness to your liking.
Can I make Crack Green Beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, just bake it in the oven until it’s warmed through. This is a great way to save time on busy holiday mornings.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Crack Green Beans?
Avoid overcooking the green beans, especially if using fresh ones, as they can become mushy. Ensure your oven is preheated to allow for even cooking. Also, adjust the sweetness in the glaze according to your taste to prevent it from being overly sweet.
Variations of Crack Green Beans You Can Try
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider adding sliced almonds for crunch or using different types of beans, like snap green beans or crisp green beans. For a spicy kick, try incorporating crushed red pepper flakes into the glaze. This will add an exciting twist to your traditional Thanksgiving side dish!
PrintCrack Green Beans: 7 Reasons They’ll Delight You
Crack Green Beans bring a sweet and savory flavor to your Thanksgiving table, making them a must-try side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cans Canned Green Beans (Ensure they are thoroughly drained for a perfect texture.)
- 4 strips Bacon (Can substitute with turkey bacon or coconut bacon for a lighter option.)
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Creates that sweet stickiness; honey or maple syrup work well as substitutes.)
- 4 tablespoons Butter (Feel free to use margarine or plant-based butter if desired.)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Opt for low-sodium if watching your salt intake.)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can also be a great alternative.)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all your ingredients and equipment, including a large baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder until combined and sugar dissolves.
- Drain 2 cans of green beans thoroughly. Place drained beans in a large baking dish.
- Add most of the crispy bacon to the green beans along with the prepared glaze. Gently toss to coat.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish, sprinkle reserved bacon on top, and bake for about 30 minutes until bubbly and caramelized.
- Optionally, for an extra crispy top, broil for 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
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