Make-Ahead Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
User Reviews
5
Make-Ahead Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
Description
Make-Ahead Bacon Wrapped Green Beans features green beans bundled in handfuls and wrapped tightly with smoky, thinly sliced bacon. Initially, the bacon is partially baked to render some fat and soften it for wrapping. The green beans are blanched briefly to maintain their crunch and bright green color, then seasoned with olive oil and garlic salt. Each bundle of about 10-12 beans is rolled in bacon, secured, and baked again to allow the bacon to crisp and the flavors to meld. Brown sugar sprinkled over the bundles adds a mild caramelized note that complements the rosemary's herbal touch.
The beans retain a firm yet tender bite, while the bacon provides a savory, crisp contrast. This dish works well as an appetizer, side dish for dinner, or as part of a holiday spread. Its make-ahead nature allows the bundles to be prepared in advance, refrigerated, then baked fresh before serving.
To make ahead, bundle the beans with bacon and refrigerate covered after assembling. When ready to serve, bake until bacon crisps. This saves time on busy days or before guests arrive, and the dish holds well without losing texture or flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds green beans also known as haricot verts, French
- 12 lices Bacon not thick cut, smoky
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic salt
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary plus more for garnish, if desired, finely minced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400˚F. Place several thicknesses of paper toweling on a work surface near the oven. Line a sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange bacon strips on foil so they aren’t overlapping. Bake for 10 minutes or until strips are beginning to turn golden, but are still soft. Remove the pan from the oven and transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.
- While bacon is baking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add beans, cover and cook for 1 minute. Place a strainer in the sink and drain beans. Immediate rinse beans with cold water for 1 full minute. Drain well and then transfer beans to a clean kitchen towel. Pat with the towel to remove as much water as possible.
- Place beans in a medium-size bowl. Combine olive oil and garlic salt. Drizzle oil over the beans and toss to coat.
- Arrange beans in 12 bundles of 10-12 beans. Place one bacon strip on a work surface. Place a bundle of beans on one end of the bacon strip. Roll bacon around the bundle and secure with a toothpick. Repeat with remaining bacon and bundles of beans. Arrange beans on a sheet pan lined with clean foil.
- Combine brown sugar and rosemary in a small bowl and stir well. Sprinkle one teaspoon of the brown sugar mixture over each bean/bacon bundle.
- Bake bundles for 15-20 minutes at 400˚F or until bacon is golden brown and beans are tender. Remove from oven and serve warm. Remove toothpicks and garnish with more finely chopped fresh rosemary, if desired.
Notes
- Partial baking of bacon before wrapping helps achieve crispy texture without overcooking the beans.
- Blanch green beans and shock in cold water to preserve color and a firm bite.
- Make ahead by wrapping bundles and refrigerating before baking ensures freshness and saves prep time.
- Sprinkling brown sugar caramelizes during baking, adding a sweet contrast to savory bacon and herbs.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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