Green Bean Bundles are a simple and delicious side dish that’s full of fresh, crisp green beans wrapped up with savory bacon and often a little bit of cheese or seasoning. These bundles are great because they combine the crunch of the beans with the salty, smoky flavor of the bacon, making every bite a perfect little package of yum.
I love making these bundles because they’re so easy to prepare but feel special enough for holiday dinners or family gatherings. Wrapping the green beans in bacon adds that extra something that makes everyone ask for seconds. I usually like to drizzle a little bit of balsamic glaze or sprinkle some garlic powder on top before baking—it’s a small touch but makes such a big difference!
Serving these green bean bundles is a breeze, and they look beautiful on the dinner plate. They’re perfect alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak, and I’ve even brought them to potlucks because they’re always a hit. Plus, they make eating veggies feel like a treat, which I think is pretty awesome.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best for a crisp bite. If fresh aren’t available, frozen green beans can work but thaw and dry them well first to avoid sogginess.
Bacon: Regular-cut bacon crisps nicely and holds the bundles together. For a leaner option, try turkey bacon, but it may not get as crispy.
Olive Oil & Seasonings: Olive oil helps the green beans roast evenly and adds flavor. Garlic powder is an easy way to boost taste, but fresh minced garlic is also great if you prefer.
How Do You Make the Bacon Crispy Without Overcooking the Green Beans?
Getting bacon crispy while keeping green beans tender is the trick. Blanch the green beans first for a short time—this softens them slightly but keeps crunch. Then roll them tightly with bacon so it holds well.
- Blanch beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
- Pat beans dry before seasoning and wrapping to avoid sogginess.
- Place bundles seam side down on a wire rack so fat drains and bacon crisps evenly.
- Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until bacon is golden and beans are tender.
These steps help balance crisp bacon with fresh-tasting green beans, making a satisfying side dish every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for holding all your green bean bundles as they bake evenly.
- Parchment paper or wire rack – helps prevent sticking and allows bacon fat to drip away for crispiness.
- Large pot – to blanch the green beans quickly and keep them tender-crisp.
- Ice bath bowl – stops the cooking process right away, keeping green beans bright and crunchy.
- Tongs – handy for handling hot bundles without breaking them apart.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for prosciutto for a lighter, saltier twist that crisps up nicely.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or parmesan inside the bundle for cheesy goodness.
- Mix in some sliced almonds or chopped pecans for crunch and nutty flavor.
- Season with smoked paprika or chili flakes to add a subtle smoky heat.
How to Make Green Bean Bundles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bundles:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 12 slices of bacon (regular-cut)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, and about 25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you need roughly 35 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a quick, tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Green Beans
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or set up a wire rack to let the bacon crisp up nicely. Then, rinse the green beans and trim off the ends.
2. Blanch the Green Beans
Boil a pot of salted water and blanch the green beans for about 3 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. Quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking and keep their bright green color. Drain and pat them dry carefully.
3. Season and Assemble Bundles
Toss the green beans with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to coat them evenly. Divide the green beans into 12 small bundles. Roll each bundle tightly with one slice of bacon, tucking the ends under the bundle to secure.
4. Bake the Bundles
Place the bundles seam side down on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy, golden, and the green beans are tender.
5. Serve and Garnish
Once baked, let the bundles cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if you like, then serve warm alongside your favorite main dish. Enjoy this simple, flavorful side!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans. Just thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent the bacon from crisping properly.
How Do I Store Leftover Green Bean Bundles?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help restore the bacon’s crispiness.
Can I Make These Green Bean Bundles Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep and wrap the bundles in advance, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s a Good Substitute for Bacon in This Recipe?
Turkey bacon or prosciutto are great alternatives. Keep in mind turkey bacon may not crisp as well, and prosciutto will add a slightly different but delicious flavor.
