Crack Green Beans

Why make this recipe

Crack Green Beans are a delicious dish that combines the goodness of green beans with the savory flavors of bacon and a sweet glaze. This recipe brings a delightful blend of tastes that is sure to impress family and friends at any meal. It’s an easy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering.

How to make Crack Green Beans

Ingredients:

  • 38 Oz can cut green beans, drained
  • 10 slices cooked bacon, chopped
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 4 Tbsp butter
  • 6 Tsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 Tsp garlic powder
  • 2 Tsp onion powder

Directions:

  1. Heat a large skillet to medium/low heat.
  2. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt.
  3. Whisk in the brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Cook on medium heat for a few minutes until it starts to bubble.
  5. Stir in the drained green beans and toss them to combine with the sauce.
  6. Cook on medium/low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.
  7. Stir in the chopped bacon and cook for another 5 minutes on low.
  8. For a nice presentation, you can stir in half of the bacon and use the other half to garnish the top of the finished green beans.

For oven preparation, follow the steps up to step 5, then cover the oven-safe skillet and place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.

How to serve Crack Green Beans

Once your Crack Green Beans are ready, serve them hot as a side dish. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a larger spread for a special occasion. You can also serve them in a nice bowl, garnished with the reserved bacon for a beautiful touch that makes your meal more appealing.

How to store Crack Green Beans

If you have any leftovers, allow the Crack Green Beans to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through.

Tips to make Crack Green Beans

  • For a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of bacon or use turkey bacon.
  • Feel free to add nuts like chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.

Variation

You can try adding other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or carrots, for added color and flavor. Some people also enjoy a little heat, so a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh green beans! Just blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the skillet.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce. You can opt for a gluten-free soy sauce to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Crack Green Beans ahead of time and then reheat them before serving. Just store them in the fridge as mentioned above.

Crack Green Beans

A delicious side dish combining green beans, bacon, and a sweet glaze; perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 38 oz 38 Oz can cut green beans, drained
  • 10 slices 10 slices cooked bacon, chopped Cooked bacon adds a rich flavor.
  • 2/3 cup 2/3 cup brown sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
  • 4 Tbsp 4 Tbsp butter Unsalted butter recommended.
  • 6 tsp 6 Tsp low sodium soy sauce Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
  • 2 Tsp 2 Tsp garlic powder
  • 2 Tsp 2 Tsp onion powder

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a large skillet to medium/low heat.
  2. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt.
  3. Whisk in the brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Cook on medium heat for a few minutes until it starts to bubble.
  5. Stir in the drained green beans and toss them to combine with the sauce.
  6. Cook on medium/low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.
  7. Stir in the chopped bacon and cook for another 5 minutes on low.
  8. For a nice presentation, you can stir in half of the bacon and use the other half to garnish the top of the finished green beans.
Oven Preparation
  1. Follow the steps up to step 5, then cover the oven-safe skillet and place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Notes

Serve hot as a side dish, pairs well with roasted meats or grilled chicken. Allowed to cool and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.