Crack Green Beans

This crack green beans recipe is a delightful side dish that combines tender green beans with crispy turkey bacon, all coated in a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, these crack green beans are sure to impress with their unique flavors and textures. The combination of brown sugar and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the fresh taste of the green beans.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet brown sugar, savory soy sauce, and crispy turkey bacon creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious side dish in under an hour.
• Versatile Serving Options: Ideal for holiday feasts, BBQs, or casual family dinners, this dish complements many main courses.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and fiber from fresh green beans, this recipe is both healthy and satisfying.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The unique taste will appeal to both kids and adults, making it a great addition to any meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare crack green beans perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good-quality baking dish ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl makes it easier to combine ingredients without any mess.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key for achieving the right balance of flavors in your sauce.

Ingredients

For the Green Beans

• 24 oz fresh green beans

For the Sauce

• 8 slices Turkey Bacon
• 2 Tbsp butter (melted)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme

How to Make Crack Green Beans

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Start by cooking the turkey bacon until crispy. Once cooked, chop the turkey bacon into bits and set aside for later use.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium or small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Green Beans

Add the fresh green beans to a 9×9 baking dish or similar size. Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over the green beans and toss well to ensure they are evenly coated. Add in the chopped turkey bacon bits and mix again.

Step 4: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the green beans reach your desired tenderness. Remember to toss once or twice around the 20-30 minute mark for even cooking.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Once done baking, serve your crack green beans warm with some of the reserved sauce poured over them. Enjoy this flavorful side dish!

How to Serve Crack Green Beans

Crack green beans are a delightful side dish perfect for any gathering or family meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pair crack green beans with grilled chicken breasts seasoned with herbs for a balanced and flavorful meal.

Alongside Roasted Potatoes

• Serve with crispy roasted potatoes tossed in olive oil and herbs for a hearty accompaniment.

As Part of a Holiday Feast

• These green beans make an excellent side during holiday dinners, complementing dishes like turkey or lamb.

Topped with Toasted Nuts

• Add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or walnuts for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender beans.

With Fresh Lemon Squeeze

• A drizzle of fresh lemon juice enhances the flavors, adding brightness to the sweet and savory profile of the dish.

How to Perfect Crack Green Beans

Perfecting crack green beans is all about technique and balance. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans have a better texture and flavor than frozen ones. Look for vibrant, crisp beans.

• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of brown sugar and honey based on your taste preferences.

• Control Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; you want the beans tender but not mushy. Toss them halfway through for even cooking.

• Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to add other spices like crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs to customize flavors.

• Let it Sit Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Crack Green Beans

Crack green beans pair wonderfully with various side dishes, making your meal more diverse and exciting. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the sweetness of crack green beans perfectly.

2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with vegetables adds a healthy grain option alongside your main course.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a bitter contrast that balances well with sweet dishes.

4. Herb-Crusted Salmon: This protein-rich option brings together flaky fish seasoned with herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile of your meal.

5. Wild Rice Pilaf: A nutty wild rice pilaf mixed with dried fruits offers texture and sweetness that harmonizes with crack green beans.

6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with grains and vegetables create a visually appealing dish that’s also satisfying.

7. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A mix of seasonal vegetables stir-fried in soy sauce can add freshness and crunch as an alternative side dish.

8. Couscous with Herbs: Light, fluffy couscous seasoned with fresh herbs is easy to prepare and pairs well as a neutral base alongside flavorful sides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make simple mistakes when preparing crack green beans that can affect flavor or texture.

• Not trimming the beans: Failing to trim the ends of green beans can lead to a less appealing texture. Be sure to cut off the tips before cooking for a clean presentation.
• Overcooking the beans: Cooking green beans for too long can turn them mushy. Aim for a tender-crisp texture by keeping an eye on the baking time.
• Using stale spices: Using old or stale spices can diminish flavor. Always check spice freshness and replace as needed for maximum taste.
• Skipping the toss: Not tossing the mixture during baking can cause uneven coating. Make sure to stir once or twice for consistent flavor and texture.
• Ignoring sauce measurements: Overly generous amounts of sauce can overpower the beans. Stick to the recommended measurements for balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store crack green beans in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Crack Green Beans

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Crack Green Beans

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are crack green beans?

Crack green beans are a delicious side dish made with fresh green beans, crispy turkey bacon, and a sweet-savory sauce that makes them irresistible.

Can I make crack green beans ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare crack green beans ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

How do I customize crack green beans?

You can customize crack green beans by adding your favorite spices, changing the type of sweetener, or using different types of vegetables along with the green beans.

What should I serve with crack green beans?

Crack green beans pair well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or hearty grains like quinoa or rice.

Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting turkey bacon and using plant-based alternatives like smoked tempeh or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This crack green beans recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to complement various meals. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own. Enjoy this delightful side dish at your next gathering!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Crack Green Beans

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Crack Green Beans are the perfect side dish that brings a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors to your table. Featuring tender fresh green beans tossed in a mouthwatering glaze made from brown sugar, honey, and soy sauce, this recipe is easy to prepare and makes an impressive addition to any meal. Crispy turkey bacon adds just the right touch of crunch and flavor, making these green beans a favorite among both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a casual family dinner, these Crack Green Beans will be the highlight of your meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 24 oz fresh green beans
• 8 slices turkey bacon
• 2 Tbsp melted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook turkey bacon until crispy, then chop into bits.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
4. Add fresh green beans to a baking dish and pour the sauce over them; toss well to coat.
5. Mix in chopped turkey bacon bits.
6. Bake for 45 minutes or until beans reach desired tenderness, tossing halfway through.
7. Serve warm with reserved sauce drizzled on top.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 185
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg