Green Bean Bundles

These Green Bean Bundles are an elegant side dish that adds a touch of sophistication to any meal. Wrapped in crispy bacon, these flavorful bundles are perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or casual barbecues. The combination of tender green beans and savory bacon creates a delightful contrast that is sure to impress your guests. Plus, they are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Main Ingredients
• How to Make Green Bean Bundles
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans
• Step 3: Blanch the Green Beans
• Step 4: Seasoning Mixture
• Step 5: Wrap the Green Beans
• Step 6: Bake Until Crispy
• How to Serve Green Bean Bundles
• With Steak
• With Chicken
• As Part of a Holiday Feast
• As an Appetizer
• How to Perfect Green Bean Bundles
• Best Side Dishes for Green Bean Bundles
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Green Bean Bundles
• Reheating Green Bean Bundles
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Green Bean Bundles ahead of time?
• What kind of green beans should I use?
• How do I customize my Green Bean Bundles?
• Are there any vegetarian alternatives?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic salt, brown sugar, and bacon gives these bundles a unique sweet and savory taste.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning side dish ready in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: These green bean bundles pair well with various main courses, making them suitable for any occasion.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The crispy bacon wrapped around the tender green beans is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Healthy Twist: Packed with nutrients from the green beans, this dish offers a healthier alternative to traditional sides.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Green Bean Bundles efficiently, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sheet pan
• Pot
• Bowl (for ice water)
• Small mixing bowl
• Toothpicks
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Sheet pan: Essential for baking the green bean bundles evenly without sticking.
• Pot: Used to blanch the green beans quickly for optimal texture before wrapping.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients like butter and spices efficiently.

Ingredients

These bacon wrapped green bean bundles are the perfect elegant side dish for any meal!

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lbs green beans (look for thinner green beans or use french green beans (haricot vert))
• 6 slices bacon (cut in half, do not use thick cut bacon)
• 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
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
• cooking spray

How to Make Green Bean Bundles

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the halved bacon on a sheet pan and bake for 7 minutes until slightly cooked but not crispy. Remove from the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans

Trim the ends off the green beans. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 3: Blanch the Green Beans

Place the trimmed green beans in the boiling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain them and immediately transfer to a bowl filled with ice water to halt cooking.

Step 4: Seasoning Mixture

Pat the blanched green beans dry. In a small mixing bowl, combine garlic salt, melted butter, brown sugar, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the dried green beans, tossing gently to coat each bundle.

Step 5: Wrap the Green Beans

Take 8-10 seasoned green beans, wrap them with half a slice of bacon, and secure with a toothpick. Arrange these bundles on another sheet pan sprayed lightly with cooking spray.

Step 6: Bake Until Crispy

Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Green Bean Bundles as an elegant addition to any meal!

How to Serve Green Bean Bundles

Green bean bundles are a versatile side dish that can elevate any meal. They pair well with a variety of main courses and can be served in several delightful ways.

With Steak

• Grilled Ribeye – The rich flavor of grilled ribeye complements the savory bacon in the bundles.
• Filet Mignon – This tender cut adds an elegant touch when served alongside green bean bundles.

With Chicken

• Roasted Chicken – Juicy, herb-seasoned chicken pairs perfectly with the crispy bacon-wrapped beans.
• Grilled Lemon Chicken – The zesty flavor of lemon chicken balances the richness of the bundles.

As Part of a Holiday Feast

• Thanksgiving Turkey – These bundles make a festive addition to your holiday table.
• Christmas Ham – The sweet and salty flavors of ham match beautifully with green bean bundles.

As an Appetizer

• Party Platter – Serve smaller portions on skewers for a fun, bite-sized treat at gatherings.
• With Dips – Pair with your favorite dips like ranch or garlic aioli for an enjoyable starter.

How to Perfect Green Bean Bundles

Creating perfect green bean bundles is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish shines.

• Choose Fresh Beans – Select thinner, fresher green beans for better texture and taste.
• Use Thin Bacon – Opt for regular bacon instead of thick cut to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Pre-cook Bacon Slightly – Baking bacon for a few minutes before wrapping helps achieve that crispy finish.
• Don’t Overcook Beans – Blanching until just tender keeps them vibrant and crunchy within the bundle.
• Season Generously – Ensure each bundle is well-coated with the garlic butter mix for maximum flavor.
• Experiment with Herbs – Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Green Bean Bundles

Green bean bundles make an excellent side dish, but they shine even brighter when paired with other complementary sides. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes add comfort and balance well with crispy green beans.
2. Caesar Salad – A fresh Caesar salad provides a nice crunch and tangy flavor contrast.
3. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn enhances summer meals and pairs nicely with savory flavors.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Earthy Brussels sprouts offer a great textural counterpart to the bundles.
5. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad adds nutrition and complements the savory notes of the dish.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes – The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with bacon’s saltiness.
7. Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw brings crunch and acidity, balancing out rich flavors effectively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Green Bean Bundles, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish’s quality and presentation.

• Using thick cut bacon: Thick bacon does not wrap around the green beans well. Instead, opt for regular slices for better results.
• Overcooking the green beans: If you cook the beans too long, they can become mushy. Aim for a tender-crisp texture by boiling them for just 2-3 minutes.
• Skipping the ice bath: Failing to shock the green beans in ice water can lead to overcooking. Always cool them quickly to maintain their vibrant color and crunch.
• Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning might result in bland bundles. Use garlic salt and pepper generously to enhance the flavor of your dish.
• Not securing bundles properly: If the toothpick isn’t used correctly, bundles may fall apart while cooking. Make sure to secure them tightly to prevent any mishaps.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Green Bean Bundles in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Green Bean Bundles

• Wrap the bundles tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will keep for about 2 months.

Reheating Green Bean Bundles

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps retain crispiness.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. This method may soften the bacon slightly.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Green Bean Bundles that may help you further enjoy this recipe.

Can I make Green Bean Bundles ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them up to a day in advance. Just store them uncooked in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

What kind of green beans should I use?

For best results, choose thinner green beans or French green beans (haricot vert). They wrap more easily and cook evenly.

How do I customize my Green Bean Bundles?

Feel free to add spices or herbs like thyme or rosemary into your butter mixture for added flavor. You can also swap out bacon for prosciutto for a different taste.

Are there any vegetarian alternatives?

Yes! Try wrapping the green beans with strips of roasted bell peppers or zucchini as a meat-free option.

Final Thoughts

These Green Bean Bundles are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor, making them a perfect side dish for any meal. Their versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, so don’t hesitate to experiment!