Crack Green Beans Thanksgiving

This easy and delicious crack green beans recipe is a perfect Thanksgiving side dish, offering a wonderful blend of sweet, salty, and crispy flavors. It has quickly become a crowd-pleaser in my family, managing to convert even those who usually avoid vegetables. The combination of bacon and brown sugar creates a caramelized coating that everyone looks forward to each year.

I first made this during a busy Thanksgiving, and it was such a hit that it has been requested every year since. The crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top always steal the show.

Ingredients

• Green beans: Two pounds of fresh green beans if available or two cans of canned French-style green beans drained well for convenience and texture
• Bacon: Six slices of bacon cooked until crispy to add rich smokiness and crunch
• Brown sugar: Half a cup of brown sugar which provides a sticky sweetness that caramelizes beautifully
• Butter: Quarter cup of butter melted to create a buttery base for the sauce
• Soy sauce: Quarter cup of soy sauce use low-sodium if preferred to bring umami and balance the sweetness
• Garlic powder: One teaspoon of garlic powder for a subtle savory note that enhances the overall flavor
• Notes: When selecting green beans, fresh is best for texture and flavor but canned beans are a great time saver. Choose good quality bacon for crispy, flavorful bites. Brown sugar should be packed firmly into the measuring cup for accuracy.

Instructions

Sauté the Bacon:

Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they are crispy but not overly browned. Remove them from the pan and set aside on paper towels to drain excess fat. This step adds deep smoky flavor and crunch.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This sauce will coat the green beans with sweetness and savory richness.

Assemble the Dish:

Place the drained green beans in a baking dish. Toss in most of the crispy bacon pieces, reserving some for topping. Pour the buttery sauce evenly over the beans, then sprinkle the remaining bacon on top for added texture after baking.

Bake Until Bubbly:

Put the dish in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the beans are bubbly and the edges show caramelization. For an extra touch of crispiness, broil for about three minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.

My favorite ingredient has to be the bacon because it brings so much depth and that perfect crunch every time. One year I forgot to cook the bacon crispy enough and the texture just wasn’t the same. This dish reminds me of cozy family gatherings and the way food can bring everyone around the table with smiles.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the crispiness of the bacon. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the sauce less appealing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for different sweet notes but reduce the amount slightly as they are more liquid. Turkey bacon can replace pork bacon for a leaner option though crispiness may vary. Fresh green beans offer a firmer texture but canned beans save time and still work wonderfully in this dish.

Serving Suggestions

This side pairs excellently with roasted turkey or chicken, bringing a sweet savory contrast to simple roasted meats. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic Thanksgiving plate. It also works beautifully as part of a holiday potluck or weeknight dinner with roast pork.

Enjoy this easy crack green beans as a crowd pleasing holiday side that balances sweet and savory flavors. It reheats well and can be adapted to suit dietary preferences.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, fresh green beans can be steamed or blanched beforehand to ensure tenderness before baking with the glaze and bacon.

→ What type of bacon works best?

Regular sliced bacon is ideal, as it crisps nicely and adds a smoky, crunchy texture to the dish.

→ Is there a substitute for soy sauce?

Low-sodium soy sauce is preferred, but tamari or coconut aminos can be used for a milder or gluten-free alternative.

→ How do I achieve the caramelized edges?

Baking the green beans with the buttery brown sugar mixture at 375°F encourages caramelization around the edges for enhanced flavor and texture.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble in the baking dish and refrigerate; bake just before serving to maintain crispiness and freshness.