Green Bean Bacon Bundles

By Tyla | Last modified on Dec 13, 2025

Featured in: Side Dishes

These Green Bean Bacon Bundles combine the fresh crunch of green beans with the rich, smoky taste of bacon, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a delicious side dish, this dish is sure to impress with its delightful aroma and irresistible bite.

Wrapped in a sweet and savory marinade, each bundle offers a mouthwatering experience that’s both simple to make and sure to become a favorite go-to for gatherings. The combination of brown sugar and soy sauce enhances the bacon’s smokiness and brightens the natural green bean flavor beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of smoky bacon and crisp green beans for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients and beginner-friendly steps.
Versatile appetizer or side dish that pairs well with many meals.

Ingredients

Fresh green beans: One pound of crisp, trimmed green beans offering fresh crunch and nutritional benefits.
Bacon slices: Eight slices cut in half to tightly wrap around green bean bundles, adding smoky flavor.
Brown sugar: A quarter cup to add a sweet caramelized glaze that balances the savory bacon.
Soy sauce: A quarter cup for umami depth and salty brightness in the marinade.
Olive oil: A quarter cup to bring richness and help coat the bundles evenly for roasting.
Garlic powder: One teaspoon to provide a gentle garlicky undertone without overpowering.
Onion powder: One teaspoon contributing subtle savory warmth that enhances the overall flavor.
Black pepper: Half a teaspoon to add a mild heat and aromatic finish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A quarter teaspoon for a touch of spicy kick if desired.
Toothpicks: Used to securely hold each bacon-wrapped green bean bundle together during baking.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature to crisp the bacon while tenderizing the green beans.
Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves fully for a smooth, flavorful glaze.
Wrap Green Beans with Bacon: Gather about 5 to 6 trimmed green beans and wrap them tightly with a half slice of bacon. Secure each bundle with a toothpick. This step ensures the beans stay together and the bacon crisps evenly.
Arrange Bundles in Baking Dish: Place the bacon-wrapped bundles evenly spaced in a baking dish. This allows even heat circulation and helps the bacon cook uniformly without steaming.
Coat Bundles with Marinade: Drizzle the prepared marinade over each bundle, making sure they are well-coated. The marinade adds a perfect sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes during baking.
Bake Until Crispy: Bake the bundles for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway to crisp the bacon on all sides. When the bacon is golden and crispy and the green beans are tender, the bundles are ready.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bundles rest for 5 minutes. This brief cooling allows the flavors to settle and makes the bundles easier to handle. Serve warm as an irresistible appetizer or side dish.

You Must Know

Use smoked bacon for an even more intense smoky flavor that complements the green beans perfectly.
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top before serving to introduce delightful texture and nutty notes.
These bundles can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated for easier meal prep.
Pairing with dipping sauces like ranch or BBQ elevates their flavor profile for parties.

Storage Tips

Store leftover green bean bacon bundles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to retain the bacon’s crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

These bundles make an excellent side dish for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or holiday meals. They also shine as a savory appetizer at gatherings paired with a tangy dip.

Professional Tips

For best results, choose fresh green beans that snap easily, indicating crispness and freshness.
Turning bundles halfway through cooking ensures even bacon crispness without burning.
Experiment with different seasonings like cayenne or Italian herbs to customize the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?: Fresh green beans are preferred as frozen beans may release excess moisture and result in soggy bacon bundles.
How do I prevent the bacon from shrinking too much?: Using thin-sliced bacon helps wrap tightly without excessive shrinkage. Also, avoid overlapping bacon slices to allow even cooking.
Is it okay to use maple syrup instead of brown sugar?: Yes, maple syrup can be used as a sweetener in the marinade but adjust olive oil slightly to maintain consistency.
Can I prepare the bundles in advance?: Absolutely! Assemble the bundles ahead of time and refrigerate. Add marinade just before baking for best texture.
What dipping sauces complement these bundles?: Ranch, BBQ, or even a spicy aioli pair beautifully, offering creamy, tangy contrasts to the smoky and sweet flavors.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?: Traditional bacon is essential for this recipe’s flavor, but vegetarian bacon alternatives may be used, keeping in mind different cooking times.
How spicy will it be with red pepper flakes?: Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that can be omitted or adjusted based on your spice preference.