Crack Green Beans

Crack Green Beans are a delicious sweet and savory side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Made with tender green beans, crispy bacon, and a flavorful sauce of brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. The combination of smoky bacon, sweet brown sugar, and salty soy sauce makes these green beans utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as part of a weeknight meal or for a special occasion, this dish is sure to please everyone around the table. Let’s dive in and make this crowd-pleasing recipe!

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cook’s Notes and Tips
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Nutritional Information
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 4 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Drain Green Beans: Drain the canned green beans and place them in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.

Assemble and Bake

4. Combine: Pour the sauce over the green beans in the baking dish and toss to coat evenly. Make sure all the green beans are coated well, as this will enhance the flavor.
5. Add Bacon: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon over the top of the green beans. The smoky flavor from the bacon pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory sauce, adding a delicious crunch to the dish.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the green beans are heated through. The heat will help the sauce thicken slightly and coat the green beans in a sticky, flavorful glaze.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

• Fresh or Frozen Green Beans: You can substitute canned green beans with fresh or frozen ones if you prefer. If using fresh or frozen green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the baking dish. Blanching helps retain their bright green color and crisp-tender texture.
• Bacon: For extra flavor, cook the bacon until it’s crispy and crumble it over the top of the green beans. You can also use thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar to 1/4 cup. Alternatively, you could add a tablespoon of honey for a different type of sweetness that complements the soy sauce and garlic.
• Butter Quality: Use good quality butter for the best flavor, as it adds richness to the dish.

Variations

• Spicy Crack Green Beans: Add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick. The heat will balance the sweetness and add a nice depth of flavor.
• Honey Substitute: Use honey instead of brown sugar for a slightly different kind of sweetness. The honey will caramelize beautifully in the oven, adding a subtle floral note to the dish.
• Onion Addition: Add thinly sliced onion to the green beans before baking for extra flavor. The onions will become tender and sweet as they cook, adding another layer of flavor to the dish.
• Garlic Lovers: If you love garlic, add 1-2 cloves of freshly minced garlic to the sauce instead of just using garlic powder. The fresh garlic will add a more robust flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Main Course Pairing: Serve these crack green beans with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops for a complete meal. The savory flavor of the protein pairs well with the sweet and salty green beans, creating a balanced plate.
• Holiday Side Dish: This dish is perfect for holiday meals and pairs well with turkey, ham, or prime rib. The sweetness from the brown sugar and the smokiness of the bacon make it an excellent complement to richer holiday meats.
• Mashed Potatoes: Pair with mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty dinner. The creamy texture of the potatoes contrasts beautifully with the crispy bacon and tender green beans.
• Casserole Addition: Mix these green beans into a casserole for added flavor. They can add a burst of sweetness and smokiness to your favorite casseroles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the green beans and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the crumbled bacon just before baking to keep it crispy. Preparing in advance makes this dish a convenient option for busy holiday dinners or family gatherings.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To maintain the crispy texture of the bacon, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Can I Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce?

Absolutely! Low-sodium soy sauce works well in this recipe if you’re looking to reduce the salt content. You can also adjust the amount of salt to your liking if using regular soy sauce.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes, omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon substitute to make this dish vegetarian-friendly. There are many plant-based bacon options available that will still provide a smoky flavor to the dish.

What Other Flavors Can I Add?

You can add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a bit of acidity that balances the sweetness, or try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a slight tangy kick. Both additions help cut through the richness and add depth to the dish.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 200 calories per serving
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g

Please note that nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

Crack Green Beans are a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. With tender green beans, crispy bacon, and a sweet and savory sauce, this dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or including it in a holiday feast, these green beans are bound to become a favorite. Gather your ingredients, bake, and enjoy this delicious and addictive side dish with your family and friends!

Happy Cooking!