There's something downright magical about the combo of crispy green beans, smoky bacon, and a buttery maple glaze. It's salty, sweet, and absolutely addictive. This crack green beans recipe will be your new favorite side dish! It's the kind of side that steals the spotlight at dinner. Don't say I didn't warn you!
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What makes this recipe irresistible
Fresh green beans keep that satisfying snap, even after cooking. That's their secret superpower! Toss in smoky bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup, and suddenly your veggies aren't just a side dish… they're the main event!
And if you're planning your holiday menu, be sure to check out my Pan Roasted Vegetables - they're just as simple to make and bring that same warm, caramelized flavor everyone loves around the table.
What you'll need: ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card below for the exact measurements.
Cracker Barrel Green Beans
Equipment
- 1 9x13 casserole dish
- 1 skillet
- 1 Food Tongs
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.
Notes
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Nutrition
Creative variations to try
- Spicy: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Herbed: Mix in chopped rosemary or thyme for a garden-fresh twist.
- Cheesy: Sprinkle Parmesan or crumble blue cheese over the top right before baking.
Step-by-step guide: instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, check the recipe card.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Use the leftovers
Got leftovers? Chop them up and toss into Minestrone or Taco Soup for an easy flavor boost. They're also delicious stirred into scrambled eggs or a quick stir-fry the next day.
Related recipes
If you love this recipe, you'll definitely want to try a few more ways to enjoy fresh green beans! My Steamed Green Beans recipe is a quick, simple method that keeps them tender and bright. Great when you need a tasty side in minutes.
For something with a little more color and caramelized flavor, Roasted Green Beans and Carrots are a winner, bringing out the veggies' natural sweetness. And when you're craving that Southern-style comfort, Instant Pot Southern Green Beans deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Each one is a delicious way to get your green bean fix!
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!
Wrapping it up
I'd love to know what you think... did your family go crazy for it? Drop a comment below and tell me how it turned out. Thanks for stopping by Bowl Me Over! You make this community the best part of what I do!
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