If you’re looking for a vibrant side dish that balances crisp, tender green beans with the irresistible smoky goodness of bacon, these Green Bean Bundles are the answer. Each bundle is a little package of flavor, marrying fresh green beans coated in a buttery, garlicky, and slightly sweet glaze, all wrapped up in crispy bacon. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a delightful mix of textures and tastes to any meal, making Green Bean Bundles a go-to recipe that’s as impressive as it is easy to make.

Green Bean Bundles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together to create a standout dish in Green Bean Bundles. Every component plays its role, from the fresh snap of green beans to the rich, savory bacon and the sweet hint of brown sugar, creating layers of flavor and texture.

Green beans (1 1/4 lbs): Choose thinner green beans or French green beans for the best tenderness and bite.
Bacon (6 slices, cut in half): Use regular bacon for the perfect crisp without overpowering the bundles.
Garlic salt (1 teaspoon): Adds a punch of savory garlic flavor while seasoning the bundles perfectly.
Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Brings luscious richness and helps the brown sugar and seasonings cling to the beans.
Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Offers a subtle sweetness that balances the smoky bacon.
Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a gentle warmth that enhances all the flavors.
Chopped parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): A fresh, green garnish that brightens the final presentation.
Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.

How to Make Green Bean Bundles

Step 1: Preparing the Bacon

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Lay the bacon slices on a sheet pan and bake them for about 7 minutes. This quick bake adds an initial crispness, making the bacon easier to wrap and ensuring it finishes perfectly alongside the green beans.

Step 2: Blanching the Green Beans

Trim the ends off your green beans for a neat bundle. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the green beans for 2 to 3 minutes, just until tender but still crisp. Immediately place them in ice water to stop the cooking. This method locks in that vibrant green color and the perfect texture.

Step 3: Coating the Green Beans

Dry the green beans thoroughly to avoid sogginess. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic salt, melted butter, brown sugar, and pepper. Pour this flavorful mixture over the green beans and toss them until evenly coated. This small step adds a ton of flavor in every bite of your Green Bean Bundles.

Step 4: Assembling the Bundles

Take 8 to 10 green beans and wrap them tightly in half a slice of bacon. Secure each bundle with a toothpick to hold everything in place. Place the bundles on a cooking spray–coated sheet pan so they bake evenly without sticking.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Bake the bundles for 15 to 20 minutes until the bacon turns crispy and golden. Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like that added fresh color and an herbaceous note.

How to Serve Green Bean Bundles

Garnishes

While the chopped parsley gives a bright, vibrant touch, you can also sprinkle some toasted slivered almonds or a little crumbled feta if you want to add a crunchy or creamy contrast. These garnishes elevate the presentation and add new flavor dimensions.

Side Dishes

Green Bean Bundles pair wonderfully with hearty mains like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a holiday ham. Their combination of smoky, sweet, and savory complements a variety of proteins, making your meal feel special and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange the bundles in a circular pattern on a platter with a small bowl of tangy dipping sauce in the middle, such as a honey mustard or a balsamic glaze. This arrangement invites sharing and makes the dish a conversation starter at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Green Bean Bundles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They maintain their delicious flavor and texture well, making them ideal for quick weekday meals or reheated snacks.

Freezing

While freezing can slightly affect the bacon crispness, you can freeze assembled, unbaked bundles in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover bundles in an oven preheated to 375 degrees for about 10 minutes to revive that crispy bacon texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bacon chewy and the green beans soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen green beans for the bundles?

Fresh green beans work best for Green Bean Bundles due to their snap and texture, but if you’re in a pinch, thaw frozen green beans and pat them dry thoroughly before using.

What type of bacon is best for this recipe?

Regular-sliced bacon is recommended because it crisps nicely without overpowering the delicate green beans. Avoid thick-cut bacon as it may not cook fully within the baking time.

Can I make Green Bean Bundles vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap bacon for smoked tempeh strips or use seasoned puff pastry to wrap the beans for a vegetarian-friendly twist that still offers great flavor and texture.

Is it necessary to blanch the green beans?

Blanching ensures the beans have the perfect tender-crisp texture and bright color, but if you prefer softer beans, you can skip this step and roast the beans a bit longer.

How many green beans should I wrap per bundle?

Wrapping 8 to 10 green beans per bundle gives you a manageable bite and lets the bacon fully envelop the beans, ensuring each bundle is full of flavor without falling apart.

Final Thoughts

Green Bean Bundles are a brilliant way to elevate simple green beans into a dish bursting with flavor, color, and texture that your family and friends will adore. Whether you’re preparing a holiday spread or just adding a special side to your weeknight dinner, these bundles bring warmth and joy to the table. Give them a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!

Green Bean Bundles Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: Lana
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Green Bean Bundles featuring tender green beans wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a flavorful butter glaze infused with garlic salt and brown sugar. Perfect as a savory side dish or appetizer for any meal or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Green Beans

1 1/4 lbs green beans (preferably thinner or French green beans – haricot vert)

Bacon Wrap

6 slices bacon, cut in half (avoid thick cut bacon)

Butter Glaze

1 teaspoon garlic salt (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt)
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Garnish & Others

1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Partially Cook Bacon: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bacon slices on a sheet pan and bake for 7 minutes to partially cook. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Prepare Green Beans: Trim the ends off the green beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Blanch Green Beans: Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender. Immediately drain and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
Dry and Season Beans: Pat the green beans dry with a clean towel. In a small bowl, combine garlic salt, melted butter, brown sugar, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the green beans and toss to evenly coat.
Assemble Bundles: Take 8-10 green beans and wrap them tightly with a piece of bacon. Secure each bundle with a toothpick. Arrange the bundles on a cooking spray-coated sheet pan.
Bake Bundles: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Remove from the oven.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the bundles if desired, then serve warm as a tasty side dish or appetizer.

Notes

Use thinner green beans or French green beans (haricot vert) for easier wrapping and better texture.
Partially precooking bacon helps ensure it crisps nicely without overcooking the beans.
Blanching green beans preserves their bright color and crunch.
Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preference for sweetness.
Use toothpicks to secure bundles during baking to keep them intact.
Optional parsley garnish adds a fresh herbal note and visual appeal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking and Blanching
Cuisine: American