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Crack Green Beans

Crack green beans are baked until green beans are tender and glossy, with a sticky brown sugar soy glaze. Freshly blanched beans and mostly-crisp bacon get a caramelized finish in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 265
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Green beans
  • 2 lb fresh green beans trimmed
Bacon
  • 8 slices bacon chopped
Glaze
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
  • 0.25 cup butter melted
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Blanch and prep
  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain.
  3. Cook bacon until mostly crisp, then drain on paper towels.
Assemble and bake
  1. Place green beans in a 9x13-inch baking dish and top with bacon.
  2. Whisk brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Pour the glaze over the beans.
  4. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes at 350F, stirring once midway, until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.

Notes

For the best sticky glaze, make sure the bacon is only mostly crisp so it still renders as it bakes. Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in a 350F oven or microwave until hot. Freeze is not recommended because the green beans can soften and the glaze may separate. For a lighter option, swap the butter for an equal amount of olive oil spread and use turkey bacon.