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Home » Recipes » Christmas Day Recipes

Crack Green Beans Recipe

Published: Aug 4, 2024 by Debra Clark · Leave a Comment

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Combining the fresh crunch of green beans with the savory goodness of bacon and a hint of sweetness from maple syrup. This crack green beans recipe will be your new favorite side dish!

Green Beans topped with crispy bacon. A pair of tongs is dishing up a serving.
Jump to:
  • What makes this recipe irresistible
  • What you’ll need: ingredients
  • Creative variations to try
  • Step-by-step guide: instructions 
  • Watch and learn: recipe video
  • Essential equipment for this recipe
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
  • Deb's tips for the perfect dish
  • How to store leftovers
  • Use the leftovers
  • More recipes you'll love
  • Perfect pairings: what to serve with
  • Cracker Barrel Green Beans

What makes this recipe irresistible

The best part of fresh green beans is that irresistible crunch. Green beans hold up well in cooking and that's what makes them such a popular side dish! The freshness shines with every bite and the smoky bacon and sweet maple syrup takes it right over the top!

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All of the ingredients needed to make the side dish recipe. With print overlay for clarification.

What you’ll need: ingredients

Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements. 

  • fresh green beans
  • bacon
  • unsalted butter
  • maple syrup
  • garlic powder
  • salt and pepper

Creative variations to try

  • Spicy: Add pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture for a spicier version.
  • Herbed: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the butter mixture for an herby twist.
  • Cheesy: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese over the top before baking.
Step-by-step instructions to make the easy side dish recipe. With print overlay for clarification.

Step-by-step guide: instructions 

This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon drain it on a paper towel.
  3. Trim the ends off the green beans and blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  4. Whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Place the blanched green beans in a baking dish. Pour the butter mixture over the green beans and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the green beans are tender.

Watch and learn: recipe video

Hey, if you want to catch all my videos, subscribe to my YouTube Channel. You'll be notified each time I share a new video!

Essential equipment for this recipe

  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)

Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?

While fresh green beans are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen green beans in a pinch. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before using. Skip the blanching part of the recipe. Note that the texture will be softer compared to fresh green beans.

 What can I substitute for maple syrup?

 If you don't have maple syrup, you can substitute honey or brown sugar and butter. Each will provide a different flavor profile, but both will add the necessary sweetness to the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

 Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.

A platter filled with crack green beans, ready to eat.

Deb's tips for the perfect dish

Taste the butter mixture before pouring it over the beans. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

  • Blanching helps retain the crisp-tender texture of the green beans.
  • For evenly crispy bacon, cook it over medium heat and turn frequently.

How to store leftovers

Refrigerate - Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer - While the beans can be frozen, they will lose their crisp texture. I recommend enjoying them fresh.

Use the leftovers

If you have some leftover crack green beans, don't toss them! They would be great in Minestrone Soup or Taco Soup. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Copycat Cracker Barrel green beans and bacon on a platter.

More recipes you'll love

You all know I'm a big fan of the BEST side dishes! Here are a few more of my favorites I think you'll enjoy too!

  • Slow Cooker Asparagus - bright, crisp and fresh and yes... it's made in the crockpot!
  • Pan Roasted Vegetables - roasting on the stovetop adds so much flavor and the tomatoes add a light sauce to finish the dish. AMAZING!!
  • Baked Brussels Sprouts - ooh the sear on these is just so good!

Perfect pairings: what to serve with

Crack Green Beans is a perfect side for a holiday meal. So if you're serving Thanksgiving Turkey, Prime Rib or just enjoying a great weeknight meal and made the Crunchy Baked Ranch Chicken, this is what to serve with!

Let me know in the comments below if you made this recipe and loved it!! Or if you made it and had issues, tell me that too. I love to hear what you think. Thanks for being here, I appreciate you!

Crack green beans with crispy bacon.
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Cracker Barrel Green Beans

The perfect balance of crispy and crunchy textures and flavors! The smoky, salty bacon and the maple syrup add a subtle sweetness that ties this yummy side dish all together.
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Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Total Time45 minutes mins
Course: Vegetables and Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 203kcal
Author: Deb Clark

Equipment

  • 9x13 casserole dish

Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh green beans
  • 4 slices bacon cut in bite size
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, cook the bite size bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain.
  • While the bacon is cooking, trim the ends off the green beans and blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Place the blanched green beans in a baking dish. Pour the butter mixture over the green beans and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some pepper flakes over the top as well.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the green beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
  • Remove from the oven and serve hot.

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 203kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 492mg | Potassium: 218mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 827IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg

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    About Debra Clark

    Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town of Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

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    Blogger Deb Clark smiling at camera holding a plate filled with a casserole.
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