Crack Green Beans Recipe

Introduction

Crack Green Beans are a deliciously sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. Combining tender green beans, crisp bacon, and a rich buttery sauce, this dish is comfort food at its finest. It’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 5 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 2/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Step 4: Place the drained green beans in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce evenly over the top and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the beans.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened.
6. Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy the rich, sweet, and savory flavors.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, top the beans with fried onions just before serving.
• Use fresh green beans if you prefer; steam them until tender before assembling.
• Adjust the brown sugar to taste for a sweeter or less sweet version.
• Try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an additional depth of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover crack green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the bacon crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, fresh green beans can be used. Steam or blanch them until tender before assembling the dish to ensure they cook evenly in the oven.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the sauce for a smoky flavor. Crispy fried shallots can also add a similar crunch.

Crack Green Beans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 97 reviews

Crack Green Beans is a deliciously sweet and savory side dish that combines tender green beans with a rich sauce made from butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Crisp bacon adds a smoky crunch, making this baked green bean dish irresistible and perfect for any meal.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Green Beans

• 5 cans (14.5 oz each) cut green beans, drained

Bacon

• 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

Sauce

• 2/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble and set aside for later use.
3. Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble Dish: Place the drained green beans evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the green beans and toss gently to coat all the beans well. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top.
5. Bake: Bake the assembled dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and has thickened slightly.
6. Serve: Serve warm as a delectable side dish that is sweet, savory, and rich in flavor.

Notes

• For best flavor, use freshly cooked bacon rather than pre-cooked bacon bits.
• You can substitute fresh green beans that are blanched and drained if preferred, though canned beans are convenient.
• Adjust sugar quantity to taste for more or less sweetness.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.

Keywords: crack green beans, baked green beans, green bean casserole, bacon green beans, sweet and savory green beans, holiday side dish