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Easy Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze

bacon-wrapped green beans - featured image

Crispy bacon-wrapped green beans with a caramelized brown sugar glaze, ready in about 30 minutes. A simple, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for weeknights or holidays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. Rinse the green beans under cold water and pat them completely dry. Trim off the stem ends.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until a thick paste forms.
  4. Gather 6-8 green beans into a small bundle (about the diameter of your thumb). Wrap one slice of bacon around the middle, stretching slightly so it’s snug. Tuck the end of the bacon underneath the bundle.
  5. Place the bundles seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each.
  6. Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, spread about 1/2 teaspoon of the brown sugar mixture over the top of each bundle.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes on the center rack.
  8. Carefully flip each bundle using tongs. Brush the other side with the remaining glaze mixture.
  9. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and dark golden brown and the sugar is caramelized. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the bundles rest on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use thin-cut bacon and dry the green beans thoroughly. Watch the bundles closely during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning. Bundles can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated; add glaze just before baking. For a spicy maple version, substitute brown sugar with maple syrup and add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. For a balsamic glaze, replace brown sugar with 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar mixed with 1 tablespoon honey. For a garlic Parmesan version, skip the brown sugar glaze and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and minced garlic before baking. For an air fryer method, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. For a keto-friendly version, use a sugar-free brown sugar substitute or omit the sweetener and add extra black pepper and garlic powder.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon-wrapped green beans, brown sugar glaze, easy side dish, holiday side dish, green bean recipe