These Crack Green Beans will leave you begging for seconds! Discover a world of culinary bliss as fresh green beans harmonize beautifully with crispy bacon and a sweet-and-savory glaze.
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Crack green beans are almost as addictive to eat as they are easy to make! These fresh green beans are cooked to perfection, their natural sweetness is enhanced by the irresistible smokiness of perfectly crispy bacon. With its rich blend of flavors, the glaze adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall taste profile, leaving a lingering impression long after the last bite.
Whether you’re a vegetable enthusiast or a bacon lover, this culinary masterpiece will captivate your senses and redefine your perception of what green beans can truly be.
This mouthwatering side dish pairs flawlessly with so many different main courses — the opportunities are truly limitless! Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will have you coming back for seconds, thirds, and beyond.
How to Make Crack Green Beans
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until the pieces are crisp and browned, about 7 minutes.
STEP TWO: Remove the bacon from the skillet using a slotted spoon, allowing any excess grease to drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan.
STEP TWO: Use the remaining bacon grease to saute the trimmed green beans until they are softened and brown, about 5 minutes.
STEP THREE: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
STEP FOUR: Pour the brown sugar glaze into the green beans while stirring to ensure even coating.
STEP FIVE: Cook the green bean glaze mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the glaze has thickened and the beans are crisp-tender.
STEP SIX: Stir in the crispy bacon with the green bean glaze mixture, and enjoy!
What to Serve With Cracked Green Beans
- Instant Pot Steak
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Thin Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Steak Bites
- Air Fryer Lamb Chops
- Air Fryer Turkey Legs
- Cast Iron Chicken Breast
Variations for Crack Green Beans
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze mixture for a fiery twist for this crack green beans recipe.
- Once the green beans are cooked, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top — this tastes divine with bacon! Pop them under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Increase the garlic flavor by adding minced fresh garlic cloves to the sautéing process. You can also sprinkle garlic powder or add roasted garlic paste to the glaze for a rich and savory taste.
- Make a vegan version of this crack green beans recipe without bacon and with vegan butter to sauté the green beans. For a bacon alternative, try facon bacon!
- Sprinkle some toasted almonds or chopped walnuts over the crack green beans.
- Toss in some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley during the sautéing process to add fragrant and aromatic notes.
More Green Beans Recipes
- Green Beans Almondine
- Air Fryer Green Bean Fries
- Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
- Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole
Are You Supposed to Snap or Cut Green Beans?
The stem end of the green bean needs to be cut or snapped off before preparation. The other end can also be cut for aesthetic purposes.
I prefer trimming green beans with a knife, because you can do several at once! Line up a handful of beans, tap the ends until even, then chop them all off in one stroke. Repeat with the other side, then continue until all of them are trimmed — easy peasy!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans for this Crack Green Beans Recipe?
Yes, frozen green beans will work for crack green beans. It’s best to steam and drain them first so they don’t release too much water into the glaze.
I prefer to use fresh green beans because they have a delicious crunch, vibrant color, and fresh taste!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Crack Green Beans
Store leftover crack green beans in a plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To maintain their crispiness, it’s best to reheat them in a hot pan or skillet with a little oil or butter. Cook them for a few minutes until they are heated through, tossing them occasionally.
More Holiday Side Dishes
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Cranberry Orange Sauce
- Candied Yams
- Broccoli Ritz Casserole
- Sauteed Butternut Squash
- Creamy Jalapeno Corn
- Stovetop Mac and Cheese
- Cornbread Stuffing
- Cream Jalapeno Corn
- Squash Casserole
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Crack Green Beans
Ingredients
- 8 ounces thick cut bacon diced
- 1 ½ pounds green beans trimmed
- â…“ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Add the bacon to a large skillet set over medium heat and cook until crisp and browned– about 7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel lined plate to drain. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the pan.
- Add the trimmed green beans to the same skillet and sauté them in the bacon grease for 5 minutes, or until they are just beginning to soften and brown.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the brown sugar mixture over the green beans and stir to coat the green beans in the glaze.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and the green beans are crisp-tender.
- Add the crisp bacon back to the green beans and stir to combine. Enjoy immediately.
