Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles – A Crispy, Savory Holiday Side

There are some recipes that instantly make a table feel more festive, and Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are one of those timeless treasures. Imagine crisp-tender green beans tucked into smoky, sizzling bacon, brushed with just the right amount of seasoning and baked until the edges caramelize into perfection. This dish isn’t just about flavor—it’s about presentation too. Each little bundle looks like a thoughtful gift on your plate, making it a wonderful choice for holidays, Sunday dinners, or even as a special weeknight side when you want to elevate the ordinary.

These green bean bundles bring together two classics: the hearty comfort of bacon and the fresh crunch of green beans. The contrast of smoky, savory bacon with lightly sweetened and seasoned beans makes for a dish that disappears fast at gatherings. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to prepare, and you can even make them ahead of time to save yourself stress when entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 8–10 slices of bacon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for caramelization)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust if bacon is very salty)
• Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 3–4 minutes, just until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain immediately and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain well.
3. Pat the green beans dry with a clean towel. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar (if using).
4. Divide the beans into 8–10 small bundles (6–8 beans per bundle works well).
5. Wrap each bundle tightly with one slice of bacon and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through.
7. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra caramelization, brush the bundles with a little maple syrup or honey before baking.
• Use thin-cut bacon so it crisps up nicely. Thick-cut bacon can be chewy.
• If prepping ahead, assemble the bundles and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

Variations

• Swap the green beans for asparagus for a different seasonal twist.
• Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese just before serving for extra flavor.
• Use turkey bacon for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions
These bundles pair beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib at holiday feasts. They also work as a stand-alone appetizer at parties. Serve them alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, or cornbread for a complete spread.

Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Tender green beans wrapped in smoky bacon, baked until caramelized and crispy. A perfect holiday side dish or appetizer.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 bundles

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Bundles

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 8-10 slices bacon preferably thin cut
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Tongs

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then shock in ice water. Drain well.
3. Toss beans with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar (if using).
4. Divide beans into bundles (6–8 beans each). Wrap each with a slice of bacon and place seam-side down on baking sheet.
5. Bake for 18–22 minutes until bacon is crispy and beans are tender.
6. Remove from oven, garnish with thyme or parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Best served fresh, but can be prepped ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Storage Information
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and bacon is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bacon texture.

FAQ

• Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, but fresh beans give the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat them dry before wrapping.
• Can I make these ahead? Absolutely. Assemble the bundles a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake.
• What if my bacon cooks too slowly? Try pre-cooking the bacon slightly before wrapping the beans.

History / Fun Facts
Green beans have been a staple side dish in American holiday traditions for decades, often appearing in casseroles or simple steamed preparations. Bacon wrapping, however, is a Southern-inspired technique that transforms a humble vegetable into something indulgent and company-worthy. Over time, the bacon-wrapped bundle became a popular addition at potlucks and family tables, and now it’s a beloved favorite in countless kitchens.