“Crack” Green Beans
Get ready for the side dish that’s about to steal the spotlight at your dinner table! These “Crack” Green Beans aren’t just a vegetable side – they’re an addictive flavor bomb that’ll have everyone fighting for seconds. The name doesn’t lie – one bite and you’ll be hooked!
What makes these green beans so irresistible? It’s the perfect harmony of crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, and that savory soy sauce umami that coats every single bean. The sauce caramelizes in the oven, creating this sticky, sweet-savory glaze that transforms ordinary green beans into something extraordinary. Trust me, even the veggie-skeptics won’t be able to resist.
Ingredients
- 24 oz fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
Steps
- Start by cooking the 8 slices bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Turn frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The bacon should be rigid and dark red when done. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease, then chop into small bits and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the 2 Tbsp melted butter, ¼ cup brown sugar (make sure it’s packed for accurate measurement), 3 Tbsp honey, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp paprika, and ½ tsp dried thyme. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved and you have a smooth, glossy sauce.
- Add the 24 oz fresh green beans to a 9×9 baking dish (or similar size). Make sure your green beans are dry after washing to help the sauce adhere better. Pour the soy sauce mixture evenly over the beans and toss thoroughly to coat each bean. Add the crispy bacon bits and mix again, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Bake for 45 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until the green beans are softened to your preferred texture. For even cooking and caramelization, toss the beans at the 20-minute mark and again at the 30-minute mark. The sauce will reduce and thicken as it bakes, creating a beautiful glaze. If the sauce seems to be reducing too quickly, cover with foil for part of the cooking time.
- For extra caramelization and crispiness, broil on high for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking time. Watch carefully to prevent burning – the sugar can go from caramelized to burnt very quickly.
- Serve warm, spooning some of the reserved sauce from the bottom of the baking dish over the top of the green beans. The beans should be tender but still have a slight bite, and coated in a glossy, caramelized sauce.
Smart Swaps
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce (1:1 ratio) for a gluten-free, lower sodium option
- Substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor
- Try maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile (use same amount)
- Use fresh minced garlic (about 2-3 cloves) instead of garlic powder for more intense flavor
Make It Diabetes-Friendly
- Replace brown sugar with 3 Tbsp monk fruit sweetener plus 1 tsp molasses to reduce carbs by approximately 12g per serving
- Use a reduced-sodium soy sauce and cut amount to 2 Tbsp to lower sodium content
- Increase the cooking time to 50-55 minutes at a lower temperature of 350°F (175°C) to develop flavor without as much sugar
- Serve with a source of protein to help balance blood sugar response
Pro Tips
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes then shock in ice water before baking for perfectly tender-crisp texture
- Reserve about 2 Tbsp of the sauce before mixing with the beans to drizzle over the finished dish
- Line your baking dish with foil for easier cleanup – the sugar mixture can be sticky!
- For extra flavor, add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to the sauce for a sweet-spicy kick