Easy Lightened-Up Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
A healthier twist on a classic side dish, featuring crispy bacon-wrapped green beans with a light brown sugar glaze. Ready in about 30 minutes, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh green beans (haricots verts preferred)
- 8–10 slices thin-cut bacon
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place a wire cooling rack on top if desired.
- Rinse green beans and pat dry. Trim stem ends.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for exactly 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain and pat completely dry.
- Divide green beans into 8-10 bundles (about 8-10 beans each). Wrap each bundle with one slice of bacon, stretching slightly. Place seam-side down on prepared baking sheet or rack.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, garlic powder (if using), and a pinch of black pepper until smooth.
- Brush a thin layer of glaze over each bundle. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven, brush with remaining glaze, and bake for another 3-5 minutes until bacon is crispy and glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
- Let rest for 2 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a serving platter. Serve warm.
Notes
For best results, use fresh green beans and thin-cut bacon. Don’t skip blanching—it ensures tender-crisp beans. Watch the oven closely during the last few minutes to prevent burning. Serve within 15 minutes for crispiest bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bundles
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
Keywords: bacon wrapped green beans, lightened up, brown sugar glaze, easy side dish, holiday side, green bean bundles