Hey y'all! If you're searching for a side dish that's both mind-blowingly addictive and ridiculously easy to make, Crack Green Beans are about to become your new obsession. Picture perfectly tender green beans coated in an irresistible sweet and savory glaze, with crispy bacon bits in every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, potluck, or holiday feast, these green beans will steal the show! Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Super flavorful: The combo of bacon, brown sugar, and soy sauce makes every bite a treat.
- Quick and easy: Minimal prep and hands-on time mean you can whip this up in a flash.
- Feeds a crowd: Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or Sunday suppers.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak sweetness or spice to your liking.
- Family-favorite: Even picky eaters ask for seconds!
Ingredients
- 5 (15-ounce) cans of cut green beans, drained
- 12 ounces bacon, chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Prep and cook the bacon: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Arrange the green beans: Drain the canned green beans well and spread them evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Mix and heat the sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until the brown sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Pour the sauce evenly over the green beans. Sprinkle the cooked bacon on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the beans are hot and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: Give everything a gentle toss to coat before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Using canned green beans saves time, but you can use fresh or frozen (just blanch before baking).
- For less sweetness, use ¾ cup brown sugar instead of a full cup.
- Chop bacon into small pieces for more even distribution and crispy texture.
Variations
- Spicy Crack Green Beans: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra kick.
- Cheesy version: Sprinkle ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar over the top before baking.
- Maple Bacon Beans: Swap half the brown sugar for pure maple syrup for a rich flavor twist.
Required Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Small saucepan
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Paper towels
Storage Instructions
Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Not recommended for freezing, as the beans can get mushy.
Suggested Pairings / Serving Recommendations
- Crack Green Beans pair perfectly with roasted chicken, meatloaf, glazed ham, or pulled pork sandwiches.
- Serve alongside mashed potatoes and warm dinner rolls for a classic comfort meal.
- Try them as a potluck side—the platter always comes back clean!
Pro Tips
- Be sure to drain the green beans well to avoid a watery bake.
- Use high-quality bacon for best flavor and crispiness.
- To make ahead, assemble everything except the bacon topping, cover, and refrigerate; top with bacon and bake just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans?
Absolutely! Just trim and blanch fresh beans (or thaw frozen) before adding to the baking dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
Of course! Reduce the brown sugar to ½ or ¾ cup for a more savory flavor profile.
Can I prep Crack Green Beans ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish (without bacon topping) up to a day in advance; add the bacon and bake when ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 5 (15-ounce) cans of cut green beans, drained
- 12 ounces bacon, chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
-
2Drain the canned green beans well and spread them evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
-
3In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until the brown sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
-
4Pour the sauce evenly over the green beans. Sprinkle the cooked bacon on top.
-
5Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the beans are hot and the sauce is bubbling.
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6Give everything a gentle toss to coat before serving. Enjoy warm!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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