These bacon wrapped green beans combine tender canned green beans, smoky bacon, and a glossy brown sugar butter glaze. They’re simple to assemble, can be made ahead, and work equally well as a holiday side dish or a bite-size appetizer for gatherings.
Why You’ll Love Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
This recipe is one of those reliable crowd-pleasers I reach for any time of year. Tender canned green beans are bundled in bacon, brushed with a brown sugar and butter glaze, then baked until the bacon is caramelized. They look impressive on a holiday table but are very straightforward to prepare.
Ready In: 1 hour
Ingredients: 5
Flavor Profile: Savory and sweet
I hope you enjoy this one — it’s a favorite for parties and family dinners!
Ingredient Notes
(See the recipe card below for exact measurements.)
- Whole canned green beans – Whole beans look more elegant when bundled. Cut green beans can be used for smaller, bite-size bundles. Drain and pat them dry so the glaze stays thick.
- Bacon – Regular-cut bacon wraps easily and crisps nicely. Thick-cut works too but may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
- Brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar both add caramel flavor; light brown gives a milder sweetness.
- Butter – Melted butter helps create a smooth, glossy glaze when combined with brown sugar.
- Garlic powder – A small amount balances the sweetness with savory depth.
Why Canned Green Beans?
Canned green beans are already tender, easy to portion, and bake in roughly the same time it takes for the bacon to cook. That makes them a practical choice for this recipe. If you prefer a firmer bite, you can blanch fresh green beans first (see below).
Can I use fresh green beans?
Yes — trim the ends, blanch for 3 to 4 minutes in salted boiling water, shock in ice water, and dry thoroughly before wrapping in bacon. Fresh beans will stay brighter and slightly crisper, while canned beans give a softer, more tender result.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
- Drain the green beans. Pour the canned green beans into a colander and pat them dry with paper towels. Let them sit while you prepare the bacon so excess liquid doesn’t thin the glaze.
- Cut the bacon. Slice each bacon strip into thirds with a sharp knife or kitchen shears, and gently stretch each piece so it wraps more easily and cooks evenly.
- Assemble the bundles. Place 5 to 6 green beans at one end of each bacon strip, then roll tightly. Arrange the bundles seam-side down in a single layer in a rimmed baking dish.
- Make the glaze. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan. Stir in the brown sugar and garlic powder until evenly combined — the mixture may look slightly grainy but should be pourable.
- Coat the bundles. Spoon the glaze evenly over each bacon-wrapped bundle so they’re well coated.
- Bake. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 40 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked and edges are browned and caramelized.
- Drain and crisp. During the final 10 minutes, carefully spoon out most of the rendered bacon fat so the bundles can crisp. If using a broiler-safe metal pan, broil 1 to 2 minutes for extra color — watch closely to prevent burning.
The Secret to Crispy Bacon
Don’t skip the last drain. Remove most of the rendered bacon fat during the final 10 minutes so the bundles crisp instead of sitting in grease. Return to the oven for about 10 minutes more, and if needed, broil briefly in a metal pan while watching closely so the glaze doesn’t burn. If bottoms remain soft, carefully flip the bundles before the last few minutes.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Assemble the bundles up to 24 hours ahead and arrange them seam-side down in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate. Wait to add the brown sugar glaze until just before baking so the bacon doesn’t sit in the glaze overnight and remains crispier when cooked.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven or an air fryer for about 10 minutes, until heated through and the bacon crisps again. The microwave will warm them but will soften the bacon.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended — thawed green beans can release moisture that waters down the glaze and makes the bacon harder to crisp.
What to Serve with Green Bean Bundles
These bundles work well as appetizers or as a holiday side. They pair nicely with richer mains and classic sides like casseroles, stuffing, or a meatloaf-style main. They also complement creamy or savory dishes that balance their sweet-savory flavor.
Leslie’s Testing Notes
- Use a rimmed baking dish. The glaze bubbles and bacon releases grease; a rimmed dish keeps everything contained.
- Let them rest. Allow the bundles to cool for about 5 minutes after baking so the glaze thickens and they’re easier to serve.
- Broil with caution. Only broil in a broiler-safe metal pan and watch carefully — brown sugar can burn quickly.
FAQs
Can I broil bacon wrapped green beans in a glass baking dish?
No. Most glass bakeware should not be placed under a broiler. Use a metal baking dish or rimmed sheet pan if you plan to broil the bundles.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes. Spread the bundles between two rimmed baking dishes or sheet pans so they bake in a single layer. Start checking them at the usual cook time and rotate pans if needed.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, but turkey bacon won’t brown and crisp exactly the same. Wrap it tightly and bake until cooked through and browned at the edges.
How do I keep green bean bundles warm before serving?
Keep them uncovered in a low oven or warming drawer to avoid steam softening the bacon. For longer holding, maintain 140°F or warmer.
What is the best way to transport green bean bundles to a potluck?
Assemble ahead and bake at your destination when possible. If transporting cooked bundles, cover them for the drive and reheat briefly to crisp the bacon before serving.
Do I need to rinse canned green beans?
Rinsing is optional and can reduce some sodium. If you rinse, drain and dry the beans thoroughly so extra water doesn’t thin the glaze or prevent crisping.
Hope you love this bite-sized favorite as much as we do! If you try the recipe, please leave a review and a comment below to share how it turned out.
Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Canned green beans wrapped in bacon and glazed with brown sugar and butter make an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or side.
Ingredients
- 3 cans whole green beans, drained
- 16 ounces regular-cut bacon
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 stick butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Drain the green beans. Pat them dry with paper towels so the glaze is not thinned.
- Cut the bacon. Slice each strip into thirds and stretch slightly to make wrapping easier.
- Assemble. Place 5–6 beans on a bacon piece and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in a rimmed baking dish in a single layer.
- Make the glaze. Melt butter and stir in brown sugar and garlic powder until blended.
- Coat. Spoon the glaze over the bundles evenly.
- Bake. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 40 minutes until caramelized and cooked through.
- Drain and crisp. Spoon out most rendered fat in the last 10 minutes and return to oven. Broil briefly in a metal pan if needed—watch closely.
- Rest and serve. Let rest 5 minutes for the glaze to set, then serve warm.
Notes
- Pat green beans completely dry to prevent watery glaze.
- Regular-cut bacon is recommended for easier wrapping and better crisping.
- This recipe yields about 40–50 bundles; a serving is roughly 5–6 bundles.
- Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, but add glaze just before baking.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 438 kcal • Carbs: 26 g • Protein: 9 g • Fat: 34 g • Sodium: 477 mg • Sugar: 21 g