Nina Johnson
Crack Green Beans are the perfect fusion of comfort and bold flavor. This beloved Southern-inspired side dish features tender green beans baked in a sweet, savory, and smoky glaze made with brown sugar, soy sauce, and crispy bacon. The result? A sticky, caramelized coating that transforms simple green beans into an irresistible dish everyone will rave about.
Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or looking to jazz up a weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to double for gatherings and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Crack Green Beans pair beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a vegetarian spread. Let’s dive into what makes this dish shine.
Ingredients for Crack Green Beans
- 5 cans (14.5 oz each) of green beans, drained (or 6 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched)
- 12 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon until crispy. You can pan-fry it or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes on a foil-lined baking sheet. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Step 2: Drain and Arrange the Green Beans
If using canned green beans, be sure to drain them thoroughly. For a fresher option, blanch trimmed fresh green beans in boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then shock in ice water and drain well. Place the green beans evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until the mixture is well blended and smooth. This sweet and savory glaze will caramelize beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Combine and Top
Pour the glaze over the green beans in the baking dish, tossing gently to coat all the beans evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon generously over the top of the beans.
Step 5: Bake the Green Beans
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes. The glaze will bubble up and thicken slightly, coating the green beans in a rich, flavorful sauce. The bacon will become even crispier, adding a perfect contrast in texture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set slightly. Serve warm as a standout side dish, and watch it disappear from the table!
Storage Instructions
Crack Green Beans store exceptionally well, making them ideal for meal prepping or holiday leftovers.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 325°F until warmed through.
- Freezer: Although they can be frozen, the texture of green beans may become a bit softer after thawing. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the dish (minus the bacon topping) a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, adding fresh bacon on top before baking.
Estimated Nutrition (Per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
Note: Values are approximate and will vary depending on the brands and quantities used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh green beans should be trimmed and blanched first. Frozen green beans can also be used—just thaw and drain before baking.
2. What kind of bacon works best for this recipe?
Thick-cut bacon adds a meaty texture, but any type of crispy bacon will work. Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit the bacon or use plant-based bacon. You may want to add a bit of smoked paprika for a hint of that traditional smoky flavor.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
Not by default. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
5. Can I reduce the sugar in the glaze?
Yes, you can cut the brown sugar by 1/3 if you prefer a less sweet version. The flavor will still be rich and savory.
6. Why is it called “Crack” Green Beans?
It’s a playful nickname due to how addictively delicious they are. People often find themselves going back for seconds (and thirds)!
7. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely. Use a larger baking dish or two separate ones, and increase the baking time slightly if needed.
8. What dishes pair well with Crack Green Beans?
They go great with roasted chicken, meatloaf, ham, or even a vegetarian casserole.
Crack Green Beans: The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Side Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
Description
Crack Green Beans are a sweet, savory, and smoky side dish made with green beans baked in a caramelized glaze of brown sugar, soy sauce, butter, and crispy bacon. Perfect for holidays or everyday meals, this crowd-pleasing recipe is simple to prepare and absolutely addicting.
Ingredients
5 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained (or 6 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched)
12 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook bacon until crispy, drain, and crumble. Set aside.
- Drain canned green beans or blanch fresh green beans.
- Spread green beans evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the glaze over the green beans and gently toss to coat.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and thickened.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
