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Bacon-glazed green beans are my guilty pleasure. In my kitchen, they always steal the spotlight with their irresistible mix of crunch and sweet-salty flavor. The crispy bacon adds that rich touch turning ordinary veggies into something special. I whip this up for regular weeknight dinners or when friends come over.
Why this dish will win you over
This side has become a must-have at my table because it's easy and packed with flavor. The sweet glaze paired with crispy bacon and tender green beans creates the perfect taste combo. Whether it's just a regular meal or a special occasion, this dish always gets praise without much work.
What you'll need for this magic dish
For perfect green beans, I grab about 700g of fresh, crisp ones. Eight strips of bacon cooked until crispy give that salty kick. The glaze is where the magic happens—two tablespoons of melted butter, a quarter cup of brown sugar, three tablespoons each of honey and soy sauce. Spices make it sing—garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a bit of dried thyme come together in a flavor party.
How I make it step by step
First, I crisp up my bacon and chop it into small bits. In a bowl, I mix my special sauce—melted butter, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce and all my spices. I spread the green beans in an oven-safe dish, coat them with the sauce, and sprinkle bacon on top. They go into the oven at 190°C for 45 minutes, stirring once or twice. For the finishing touch, a few minutes under the broiler creates that amazing caramelization.
My tricks for getting it right
I always flip the beans halfway through cooking with a spatula. Broiling at the end is my trick for a caramelized glaze and extra crispy bacon. I also save some sauce to serve at the table—it adds that little something extra that makes all the difference.
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The nutritional goodness
What I love about this dish is how it balances indulgence and nutrition. The green beans provide fiber and vitamin C while bacon adds protein. The sweet glaze keeps things reasonable at about 399 calories per serving. It's a generous side that satisfies without going overboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can frozen green beans be used?
- Yes, just thaw and pat them dry first. They may cook faster since they're partly pre-cooked.
- → How do I know if they're done?
- They should be soft but with a little snap left. Use a fork to check tenderness.
- → Can this dish be prepped ahead?
- You can make the sauce and bacon earlier. Put it together and bake fresh for crunchy bacon.
- → What's the best way to keep leftovers?
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm in the oven so the bacon stays crispy.
- → Is the sauce very sweet?
- It's balanced sweet and salty. You can tweak the sugar amount to suit your taste.