Name: Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh green beans; 6 slices bacon; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; salt and pepper to taste

There’s something almost magically simple yet indulgent about this Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe. Crisp, smoky bacon hugging tender green beans, all glazed with a buttery, garlicky touch—it’s like the ultimate side dish that steals the show at any meal. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep this one on rotation.

The image shows six bundles of green beans wrapped in crispy, golden-brown bacon placed on a metal rack above a white marbled surface covered with baking paper. Each bundle is tightly wrapped in one strip of bacon with the green beans sticking out on both ends, showing a mix of light and dark green hues with slightly charred tips. The bacon has a textured, shiny, and slightly oily look, with some white salt flakes sprinkled on top. The background is a white marbled texture and a blue and white striped cloth is slightly visible on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get over how combining just a few ingredients can result in such a crowd-pleaser. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between smoky, savory bacon and fresh, crisp green beans, with a hint of sweetness and garlic to tie it all together.

Simple yet impressive: Wrapping green beans with bacon transforms a common veggie into something special and festive.
Perfect texture contrast: Tender green beans meet crispy bacon in every bite, making for a delightful mouthfeel.
Customizable flavor: The buttery garlic glaze is easy to tweak with your favorite spices or sugars.
Great for gatherings: These bundles are easy to prep ahead and always impress guests at holiday dinners or weeknight meals alike.

Several bundles of green beans are tightly wrapped in golden brown crispy bacon, each bundle showing the green beans fanning out at both ends. The bacon has a slightly rough texture with visible salt crystals sprinkled on top. The bundles rest on a dark wire rack that sits on a white marbled surface, creating contrast with the bright green beans and warm bacon tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This mix of fresh green beans, smoky bacon, and a buttery, savory-sweet glaze hits all the right notes. Picking fresh beans and the right bacon ensures the best results—here’s why each ingredient matters and a little tip for shopping.

Flat lay of fresh green beans with trimmed ends, six raw slices of thin-cut bacon, a small white ceramic bowl of golden butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown granulated brown sugar substitute, a small white ceramic bowl containing pale beige garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt crystals, and a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Fresh green beans: Fresh beans have that satisfying snap and vibrant color. Avoid frozen if you want the best texture—fresh is key.
Bacon: Thin-cut bacon crisps up beautifully without overpowering the beans. Thick cut tends to stay chewy, which I try to avoid here.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the garlic and brown sugar adhere to the bundles perfectly.
Brown sugar substitute: Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness and smokiness—feel free to use regular brown sugar if you prefer.
Garlic powder: Provides a mellow but distinct flavor without the bite of fresh garlic, which could burn in the oven.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I really love about this Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe is how easily adaptable it is. I often tweak the seasoning depending on what I have on hand or the season—it’s your canvas. Feel free to make it your own!

Spicy kick: Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or cayenne on the butter mixture for a gentle heat that balances the sweetness.
Herb boost: Fresh thyme or rosemary tossed in the butter glaze gives it a lovely earthy note, perfect for autumn or winter dinners.
Cheesy twist: After baking, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top and pop it back in the oven for a few minutes. Instant crowd-pleaser!
Vegetarian swap: For a meat-free option, try prosciutto or a smoky tempeh bacon alternative—texture will differ but the concept is delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Green Beans

Start by washing and thoroughly drying your green beans—wet beans won’t let the bacon stick properly and can make things soggy. Trim off the tough ends. I usually snap them off by hand; it feels more satisfying that way! Group about 5 to 10 beans depending on their thickness into bundles—smaller bundles make it easier to wrap evenly.

Step 2: Wrap the Bundles

Lay a strip of bacon flat, then wrap it snugly around each green bean bundle. Make sure to place the seam side down on the wire rack—this keeps them from unraveling during baking. You’ll want to space them a bit apart to let the heat circulate for maximum crispiness.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze and Season

Melt butter gently in a saucepan, then stir in brown sugar substitute and garlic powder until you have a smooth glaze. Brush this generously over each bundle—don’t be shy here, it’s where all the flavor magic happens. Finish by sprinkling salt and pepper over the top, adjusting to your taste. This step is where I personally slow down and make sure each bundle is beautifully coated.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Cover your tray loosely with foil to trap steam and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 35 minutes. This ensures beans get tender without drying out the bacon. Then, remove the foil and roast for another 10-15 minutes until the bacon crisps up nicely. Keep a close eye—every oven behaves a little differently, and you want that perfect crisp, not burnt.

Top Tip

From my experience, the trick to perfect bacon wrapped green beans lies in balancing tenderness and crispiness. Too much time covered and the bacon won’t crisp; too little and the beans won’t cook through. Here are my tried-and-true tips to get it just right.

Choosing the bacon: Pick thin slices—they bake faster and evenly crisp without drying out the beans.
Dry green beans thoroughly: Excess moisture stops the bacon from crisping and can cause steaming instead of roasting.
Use a wire rack: Elevating the bundles lets the fat drip away and the heat circulate, resulting in crispier bacon all around.
Watch the crisping stage: Removing the foil too late might leave your bacon chewy. Start checking around the 10-minute mark once uncovered.

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe

bacon wrapped green beans - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is simply a sprinkle of toasted almonds or chopped pecans to add a little crunch contrast. Sometimes, I finish with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy twist that complements the bacon’s richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with classic comfort foods—think roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, or even a creamy pasta. I’ve also loved serving it alongside grilled steak or salmon for a hearty yet fresh balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I arrange the bundles in a circular pattern on a rustic wooden board, placing candied pecans and fresh rosemary sprigs around for a festive vibe. Another favorite trick is skewering the bundles on cocktail sticks as elegant finger food for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they usually keep well for up to three days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze this recipe because the bacon and beans lose some texture on thawing, you absolutely can. Wrap bundles individually in plastic wrap, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Reheat from frozen in a hot oven to refresh some crispness.

Reheating

Reheating is best done in the oven or toaster oven at about 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that bacon crispy; the oven helps restore some texture and warms everything through evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

Frozen green beans might work okay, but they tend to release more moisture which can prevent the bacon from crisping properly. If you do use frozen, be sure to thaw and dry them very well before wrapping.

What type of bacon is best for Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe?

Thin cut bacon is best because it crisps up quickly and evenly, wrapping around the green beans nicely. Thick cut bacon can stay chewy and won’t crisp as well in this recipe.

Can I prepare these bundles ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can wrap the green beans with bacon and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add the butter glaze right before putting them in the oven for best results.

How do I get the bacon crispy without burning the green beans?

Covering the bundles with foil for most of the baking time steams the green beans gently, keeping them tender. Removing the foil in the last 10-15 minutes allows the bacon to crisp up without overcooking the beans. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe holds a warm spot in my kitchen repertoire because it turns simple ingredients into a luxurious side that’s surprisingly easy to pull off. Whether for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s a dish that brings smiles and satisfied sighs. I hope you’ll enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do—once you try it, it might just become your favorite way to enjoy green beans.