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These bacon wrapped roasted green beans are the ultimate side dish—crispy, savory, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Imagine tender green beans snugly wrapped in smoky bacon, oven baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for holiday appetizers, weeknight dinners, or any time you crave a crunch-packed vegetable treat.
Full Recipe Introduction
This Bacon Wrapped Roasted Green Beans dish takes a humble vegetable and turns it into something worthy of applause at your next gathering. By pairing slender green beans with smoky bacon and a few pantry staples, you get a warm, crunchy side that complements roast turkey, grilled steaks, or even a casual pasta dinner. I first whipped these up during a chilly Thanksgiving week, inspired by my grandmother’s holiday ham and her belief that bacon makes everything better. Not only is this version healthier than heavy casseroles—thanks to fresh veggies and just enough fat for flavor—but it’s also visually stunning, which is key when you’re aiming to delight both taste buds and guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Requires only five ingredients—minimal fuss, maximum flavor
• Oven baked, so you can free up stovetop space for other dishes
• Crispy bacon wrappers seal in juices, giving each bite a satisfying snap
• Ready in 25–30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
• Gluten-free and naturally low-carb (just watch added seasonings)
• Ideal for holiday appetizer trays or everyday side dish duty
• Scales easily for a crowd—double or triple the batch with no extra effort
• Vegetarian-friendly swap option (see Variations)
Ingredients
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed (choose firm, vibrant pods)
• 10 slices of center-cut bacon (substitute turkey bacon for lower fat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra-virgin for flavor, or avocado oil if preferred)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (optional—bacon can be salty)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Tips on Prep:
• Wash and dry green beans thoroughly so the oil and seasoning stick.
• Trim beans at both ends to keep everything uniform.
• If bacon curls, place a parchment-lined baking rack right on the sheet pan to keep it flat.
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—this makes cleanup a breeze and prevents bacon drippings from sticking.
- Toss and Season
In a large bowl, combine green beans with olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss gently so each bean glistens with seasoning. - Wrap ‘Em Up
Lay one bacon slice on a cutting board. Place a small handful of green beans (about 6–8) at one end of the slice and roll tightly. Repeat, arranging each bundle seam-side down on the prepared sheet. - Bake ‘Til Crispy
Slide the sheet into the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each bundle gently with tongs and bake another 8–10 minutes, until bacon is crisp and beans show golden tips. - Rest and Garnish
Let the bundles rest on the rack for 2–3 minutes (they’ll crisp a bit more). Sprinkle chopped parsley for color and fresh zing. Serve warm.
Servings & Timing
• Yield: Serves 4–6 as a side dish (about 12–14 bundles)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (15 if you include chopping parsley)
• Cook Time: 23 minutes total (15 + flip + 8)
• Total Time: Approximately 33 minutes
Variations
• Maple-Sriracha Twist: Brush bacon with maple syrup and a dash of Sriracha before baking.
• Vegan Version: Swap bacon for coconut bacon strips or smoky tempeh bacon.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over bundles 5 minutes before end of bake.
• Citrus Zing: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice right before serving.
• Spicy Ranch: Serve with a side of homemade ranch dip spiced with cayenne.
• Asian-Inspired: Drizzle hoisin sauce and sesame seeds in the last 3 minutes of baking.
Storage & Reheating
• To Store: Transfer cooled bundles to an airtight container; refrigerate up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave on a plate (cover to retain moisture) for 1–2 minutes.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble bundles on sheet pan, cover loosely, and refrigerate up to 4 hours before baking—keep parchment in place.
Notes
• I learned early on that overcrowding the pan leads to soggy bacon. Give each bundle breathing room for crispiness.
• If you love smokiness, use a bacon that’s labeled “applewood-smoked.”
• For extra garlic punch, rub minced fresh garlic on beans right before wrapping.
• Parchment paper is my unsung hero here—it means zero scrap-off and no scrubbing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen green beans?
A: Fresh is best for crunch; frozen thawed beans release excess water and can steam rather than roast.
Q: What if my bacon isn’t fully cooked?
A: If bacon remains chewy, bake 2–3 minutes longer, but keep an eye—it can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: Yes—no wheat or gluten ingredients here, but always check your bacon label if you’re sensitive.
Q: How do I keep bundles from unwrapping?
A: Place them seam-side down on the sheet; gravity helps seal them up.
Q: Can I prep a day ahead?
A: Absolutely—assemble, cover, refrigerate, then bake straight from the fridge (just add an extra minute or two of cook time).
Q: What dipping sauces work well?
A: Honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or a simple herby yogurt dip complement the savory bacon nicely.
Q: Is this keto-friendly?
A: Yes, it’s low-carb—just skip the maple or sugary glazes.
Q: Can I grill these instead?
A: Sure—use a grill pan and medium heat, turning bundles every 3 minutes until bacon crisps.
Conclusion
These Bacon Wrapped Roasted Green Beans are proof that simple ingredients can produce stunning results. With crisp bacon hugging tender green beans, this side dish shines at holiday spreads or casual dinners alike. Give it a whirl, leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out, and don’t forget to explore my other easy recipes—like maple-glazed carrots or garlic-roasted potatoes—for a complete feast!
Bacon Wrapped Roasted Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed
- 10 slices center-cut bacon substitute turkey bacon for lower fat
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra-virgin for flavor, or avocado oil if preferred
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt optional—bacon can be salty
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—this makes cleanup a breeze and prevents bacon drippings from sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine green beans with olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss gently so each bean glistens with seasoning.
- Lay one bacon slice on a cutting board. Place a small handful of green beans (about 6–8) at one end of the slice and roll tightly. Repeat, arranging each bundle seam-side down on the prepared sheet.
- Slide the sheet into the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each bundle gently with tongs and bake another 8–10 minutes, until bacon is crisp and beans show golden tips.
- Let the bundles rest on the rack for 2–3 minutes (they’ll crisp a bit more). Sprinkle chopped parsley for color and fresh zing. Serve warm.
