Introduction

This Crack Green Beans recipe is a delicious twist on a classic side dish, combining tender green beans with a sweet and savory bacon glaze. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

A close-up of a white plate filled with bright green cooked green beans mixed with crispy brown bacon pieces scattered evenly throughout. Above the plate, a fork holds a small bunch of glossy green beans and bacon bits, showing their texture clearly. The background has another white plate with green beans slightly out of focus on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

For a fresher taste, substitute canned green beans with blanched fresh green beans.
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Use turkey bacon as a lighter alternative to traditional bacon.
Mix in chopped onions or bell peppers before baking for extra flavor and texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with cooked green beans and crispy bacon pieces mixed together. The green beans are bright and shiny with a light oily texture, some showing slight wrinkles. The bacon pieces are golden brown with darker reddish edges and a crunchy look. Small white salt flakes are scattered on top of the beans and bacon, adding texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, seen partially in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh green beans. Simply blanch them briefly in boiling water until tender-crisp, then drain well before using in the recipe.

Is it necessary to cook the bacon beforehand?

Cooking the bacon beforehand ensures it is crispy and releases its flavor into the dish. Baking raw bacon with the green beans may result in uneven cooking and less crispiness.

Crack Green Beans Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 89 reviews

This Crack Green Beans recipe is a deliciously sweet and savory baked casserole featuring tender green beans, crispy bacon, and a rich sauce made from brown sugar, butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Perfect as a flavorful side dish for any meal, it combines the smoky crunch of bacon with the tender bite of green beans and a sticky glaze that’s sure to please your taste buds.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crisp. Once cooked, transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess fat, then crumble them into small pieces and set aside for later use.
Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a flavorful glaze.
Assemble Dish: Place the drained green beans evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce mixture over the green beans and toss gently to coat them thoroughly. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly on top of the green beans and sauce.
Bake: Bake the assembled dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and slightly thickened, infusing the green beans with rich flavor.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm as a savory and sweet side dish to complement your meal.

Notes

For a fresher taste, you can substitute canned green beans with fresh or frozen green beans, adjusting cooking time as needed.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute it with a plant-based bacon alternative.
You can add chopped onions or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor and a little heat.
Make sure to drain the green beans well to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.

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