Name: Bacon Green Bean Bundles: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16-20 bundles
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed; 1 pound thick-cut bacon, cut in half; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Optional: Toothpicks for securing bundles

Bacon Green Bean Bundles: Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet elegant side dish that's guaranteed to steal the show at your next gathering! Imagine crisp-tender green beans, perfectly seasoned and lovingly embraced by smoky, savory bacon. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite, and trust me, these little bundles of joy are incredibly addictive.

While the exact origins of wrapping vegetables in bacon are somewhat shrouded in culinary history, the concept itself speaks to a timeless truth: bacon makes everything better! Throughout history, bacon has been a staple in many cultures, prized for its rich flavor and versatility. Think of the classic "pigs in a blanket" or the countless dishes where bacon adds a layer of irresistible umami. These Bacon Green Bean Bundles are a sophisticated twist on that beloved tradition.

What makes this dish so universally appealing? It's the delightful combination of textures – the satisfying snap of the green beans against the crispy, salty bacon. It’s also incredibly convenient! They are easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, or even a quick weeknight side. But most importantly, people love them because they taste absolutely fantastic. The salty bacon perfectly complements the fresh, slightly sweet green beans, creating a harmonious balance that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1 pound thick-cut bacon, cut in half
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: Toothpicks for securing bundles

Preparing the Bacon Green Bean Bundles:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is ready when you've assembled the bundles.
Prepare the green beans. Wash the green beans thoroughly under cold water. Make sure to trim the ends off. I usually snap them off, but you can use a knife if you prefer a cleaner cut.
Blanch the green beans (optional, but recommended). Blanching helps the green beans retain their vibrant green color and ensures they're tender-crisp after baking. To blanch, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they turn bright green. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels. This step is optional, but I find it makes a big difference in the final texture and appearance.
Prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure the brown sugar is well incorporated and there are no lumps. This glaze will add a delicious sweet and savory flavor to the bacon and green beans.
Assemble the bundles. Take a small bundle of green beans (about 8-10 beans) and wrap it with a half-slice of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed. The toothpick isn't always necessary, especially if you're using thick-cut bacon, but it can help keep everything together during baking. Repeat this process until all the green beans and bacon are used. Try to make the bundles as uniform as possible for even cooking.
Arrange the bundles on a baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the bacon-wrapped green bean bundles in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they're not overcrowded, as this can prevent them from cooking evenly.
Brush with glaze. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the glaze over the bacon-wrapped green bean bundles. Make sure to coat all sides of the bacon. This will give them a beautiful caramelized finish and enhance the flavor.

Baking the Bacon Green Bean Bundles:

Bake in the preheated oven. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through and crispy and the green beans are tender-crisp. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
Baste with glaze (optional). About halfway through the baking time (around 15 minutes), remove the baking sheet from the oven and baste the bundles with the remaining glaze. This will ensure they're evenly coated and have a beautiful glossy finish. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue baking.
Broil for extra crispiness (optional). If you want the bacon to be extra crispy, you can broil the bundles for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Broiling can quickly turn the bacon from perfectly crispy to burnt, so watch them carefully.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Once the bacon is cooked through and crispy and the green beans are tender-crisp, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the bundles cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. This will allow the bacon to firm up a bit and make them easier to handle.

Serving the Bacon Green Bean Bundles:

Remove toothpicks (if used). If you used toothpicks to secure the bundles, carefully remove them before serving.
Arrange on a serving platter. Arrange the bacon-wrapped green bean bundles on a serving platter. They look great arranged in a neat row or piled high in a rustic fashion.
Garnish (optional). Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch of elegance.
Serve immediately. Serve the bacon-wrapped green bean bundles immediately while they're still warm and crispy. They're best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Tips and Variations:

Use different types of bacon. Experiment with different types of bacon, such as maple-flavored bacon or peppered bacon, to add a unique twist to the recipe.
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Substitute the green beans. You can substitute the green beans with other vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Make it ahead of time. You can assemble the bundles ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Add cheese. Sprinkle some shredded Parmesan cheese over the bundles during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
Use a different glaze. Try a honey-mustard glaze or a teriyaki glaze for a different flavor profile.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover bacon-wrapped green bean bundles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutritional Information (approximate per bundle):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Calories: 150-200
Fat: 10-15g
Protein: 8-10g
Carbohydrates: 5-7g

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Bacon Green Bean Bundles are truly a must-try for your next gathering, weeknight dinner, or even a special holiday meal. Why? Because they're incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and offer a delightful textural contrast between the crisp-tender green beans and the smoky, savory bacon. It's a simple side dish that elevates any plate, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. But the best part? They're incredibly versatile! While I've shared my go-to recipe, feel free to experiment and make them your own. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar before baking. If you're a fan of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce will add a delightful kick.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These bundles are fantastic served alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork. They also make a wonderful addition to a vegetarian meal, providing a satisfying and flavorful side dish. Imagine them paired with a hearty lentil loaf or a creamy polenta. Delicious! Here are a few more serving suggestions and variations to inspire you: * Garlic Lovers: Add minced garlic to the green beans before wrapping them in bacon for an extra layer of flavor. * Cheese Please: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the bundles during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy, melty topping. * Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the cooked bundles for a tangy and sophisticated touch. * Herb Infusion: Toss the green beans with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage before wrapping them in bacon. * Different Bacon: Experiment with different types of bacon, such as peppered bacon or maple bacon, to add unique flavor profiles. * Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, wrap the green beans in strips of puff pastry instead of bacon. Brush with olive oil and bake until golden brown. I truly believe that these Bacon Green Bean Bundles will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. They're the perfect combination of simplicity and deliciousness, making them ideal for both casual meals and special occasions. The salty bacon perfectly complements the fresh green beans, creating a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a side dish that will have everyone raving. I'm confident that you'll love these Bacon Green Bean Bundles as much as I do. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you've made them, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I'd love to hear about any variations you tried, what you served them with, and how much your family and friends enjoyed them. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you'll love. Happy cooking!