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!
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!
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 guide: instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon drain it on a paper towel.
- Trim the ends off the green beans and blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- 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
Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️
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.
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.
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!
Cracker Barrel Green Beans
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.
Leave a Reply