Crack Green Beans are a savory and slightly sweet dish that’s incredibly addictive and full of flavor. With crispy bacon, a rich sauce made from brown sugar, butter, and soy sauce, and tender green beans, this dish is the perfect side for any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or holiday dinner, these green beans are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients for Crack Green Beans
- 5 cans (8 oz each) green beans, drained
- 12 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed (for a hint of sweetness)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 7 tsp low sodium soy sauce (for a savory umami flavor)
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder (for depth of flavor)
Instructions for Crack Green Beans
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Green Beans
- Drain the canned green beans and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
4. Pour the Sauce Over the Green Beans
- Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the green beans in the baking dish. Gently toss the beans to coat them in the sauce.
5. Add Bacon
- Crumble the crispy cooked bacon over the top of the green beans.
6. Bake the Green Beans
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the green beans are heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
7. Serve Hot
- Remove from the oven and serve the Crack Green Beans hot as a delicious side dish for any meal.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Crispy Bacon: For the crispiest bacon, cook it in the oven or air fryer and drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease before crumbling it over the beans.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes before pouring it over the green beans.
- Fresh Green Beans: If you prefer fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes before using them in the recipe. You can also use frozen green beans, just be sure to thaw them first.
Variations for Crack Green Beans
1. Spicy Crack Green Beans
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy twist on this classic dish.
2. Sweet and Tangy Version
- Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the sauce to give the dish a tangy sweetness that complements the brown sugar and bacon.
3. Cheesy Crack Green Beans
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan over the green beans before baking for a cheesy, comforting version of this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes! You can use fresh green beans (blanched) or frozen green beans (thawed). If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes to ensure they are tender.
2. Can I make Crack Green Beans ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
A Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish
These Crack Green Beans are the ultimate side dish for any occasion. With a sweet, savory sauce, crispy bacon, and tender green beans, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re making it for a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal, this easy-to-make recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy the irresistible combination of bacon, brown sugar, and soy sauce in every bite
