Looking for a side dish that everyone will gobble up without a second thought? Crack Green Beans are here to save the day! These bright green beauties are crisp, flavorful, and just a tad indulgent, thanks to the bacon bliss and buttery glaze. Seriously, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. 🍽️ Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a total game-changer!
Why Make This Recipe
So, why should you whip up a batch of Crack Green Beans? For starters, they bring the perfect balance of savory and sweet to the table. You get that crunch from the green beans while the bacon adds a luscious richness. Plus, they’re super easy to make, which means less stress and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Quick cooking time
- Minimal clean-up (hello, one pan!)
- Perfect for family dinners or potlucks
Trust me, everyone will be asking for this recipe. You’re going to be the star of the dinner party, and who doesn’t want that?
How to Make Crack Green Beans
Ready to impress your taste buds? Making Crack Green Beans is simple and oh-so-rewarding!
- Prep the beans: Wash and trim your green beans. If you’re using frozen, just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry.
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook those chunks of bacon until they’re crispy. Remember to save some bacon fat for the next step, because yum.
- Sauté the garlic: Add minced garlic to the leftover bacon fat and sauté it until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen should smell incredible by now!
- Toss in the beans: Add the green beans and give them a little love on the pan for about 6-8 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp.
- Create the glaze: Toss in the butter, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until everything melts together into a mouthwatering glaze.
- Mix it all up: Return the crispy bacon to the skillet, toss it all together, and let it cook for another 2 minutes. This is where the magic happens, folks!
- Season and serve: Season with salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Serve warm and brace yourself for the compliments! 😍
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed (or thawed frozen green beans)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Wash and trim green beans; pat dry if using frozen.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the green beans and sauté for 6–8 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Add butter, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until everything melts into a glaze that coats the beans.
- Return bacon to the skillet, toss everything together, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Crack Green Beans
Serve these green beans as a delicious side dish to just about anything! They pair perfectly with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a hearty vegetarian meal. Want to impress your guests? Plating them in a fancy dish or sprinkling some extra crispy bacon bits on top elevates this dish even further! 🎉
How to Store Crack Green Beans
Got leftovers? Guess what! You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, just be careful not to overcook them; nobody likes mushy green beans. A quick pan toss will bring them back to life.
Tips to Make Crack Green Beans
- Be generous with the bacon: More bacon = more flavor, obviously.
- Fresh is best: If you can get your hands on fresh green beans, do it! They taste way better than frozen.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you’re not a huge fan of sweet dishes, feel free to lessen the sugar a bit. You do you! 😜
Variation
Feel like switching it up? Try adding some sliced almonds or toasted sesame seeds for crunch. You could even toss in some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. Play around and make it your own!
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of beans?
Totally! While green beans are the star here, you can swap for asparagus, snap peas, or even broccolini. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
2. What if I don’t like bacon?
No bacon? No problem! Try subbing with olive oil or smoked paprika for that flavor kick without the meat.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep most of the recipe in advance. Just store the cooked green beans and glaze separately, and toss them together right before serving. Easy peasy!
Now that you have all the deets, it’s time to get cooking! You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so delicious. Enjoy your Crack Green Beans! 🥳
Crack Green Beans
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and trim green beans; pat dry if using frozen.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the green beans and sauté for 6–8 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Add butter, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until everything melts into a glaze that coats the beans.
- Return bacon to the skillet, toss everything together, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!