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Bacon Wrapped Green Beans

These Bacon Wrapped Green Beans are the perfect elegant side dish for any occasion, including upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas!  The mouthwatering little bundles look impressive but are super simple to make and can be completely assembled ahead of time then just popped in the oven to bake. To make, the green beans are bathed in a sweet and tangy brown sugar, balsamic butter sauce, wrapped in bacon then roasted to caramelized perfection. These Bacon Wrapped Green Beans are always a party favorite and is easy to double or triple for a crowd!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Servings 14 bundles

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 pounds French green beans (also known as haricot verts), ends trimmed
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 7 strips smoked bacon, NOT THICK CUT, cut in half
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh rosemary

BALSAMIC BUTTER SAUCE

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (may sub balsamic)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp EACH garlic powder, salt, pepper
  • 1/4 tsp EACH dried oregano, dried basil

Instructions

  • Prep: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or a slipmat for easy cleanup. Bring a large pot of water to a boil then add baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Place a strainer in the sink. Prepare an ice bath by adding ice and water to a large bowl in the sink.
  • Par-cook bacon: Arrange bacon half strips on the baking sheet so they aren’t touching. Bake for 12-15 minutes at 400 degrees F or until strips are beginning to turn golden but are still pliable. Drain bacon on paper towels.
  • Blanch green beans: Meanwhile, add the beans to the pot of boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and transfer the beans to the ice bath. Once the beans are chilled, drain and pat them as dry as possible. Set aside.
  • Make sauce: In a large bowl (large enough to hold the green beans), combine the sauce ingredients. Add the green beans and toss until evenly coated and the butter starts to thicken.
  • Assemble: Arrange beans in 14 even bundles (about 8-10 beans). Wrap one bacon strip half around each bundle and place the bundles seam side down on the prepared baking sheet so they aren’t touching. Sprinkle the brown sugar and rosemary over bundles, concentrating over the bacon and going lighter towards the edges of the beans.
  • Bake: Bake the green bean bundles for 15-20 minutes at 400˚F or until bacon is golden brown and beans are crisp-tender. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Video

Notes

  • French green beans: are longer, skinnier, more tender and flavorful.  Look for them in pre-packaged clear bags.  If you can’t locate them, look for small thin, standard green beans and be advised that they might take about 5 minutes or so longer to roast.
  • To make ahead:  assemble the bundles, tightly cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.  When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and roast per directions, adding an extra 5 minutes or so to the baking time.
  • Storage:  store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.  

HOW to reheat

  • Oven:  line the bundles on a baking sheet and reheat at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
  • Microwave:  reheat for 30 seconds then at 10 second intervals as needed.  Microwave Bacon Wrapped Green Beans will not be as crispy.   
  • Stove:  heat a drizzle of oil in a pat and heat over medium-low heat.   Add the bundles and heat until warmed through, turning occasionally.
  • Air Fryer:  set your air fryer to 350°F. Heat for 5 or so minutes, turning the green bean bundles as needed, until they are warmed through.