Crack Green Beans are a sweet, savory, and smoky side dish loaded with crispy bacon, buttery brown sugar glaze, and a hint of garlic. This easy baked green bean casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Green Beans: Canned and drained, making this dish quick and convenient.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy topping.
- Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet, caramelized glaze.
- Butter: Enhances the richness of the dish.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and balances the sweetness.
- Garlic Powder: Gives a subtle garlicky kick.
Note: Ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until slightly crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans
Drain the canned green beans and transfer them to a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading them evenly.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the brown sugar glaze over the green beans.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
How to Serve
These sweet and savory green beans pair perfectly with:
- Holiday meats like roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib.
- Weeknight favorites such as grilled chicken, pork chops, or baked salmon.
- Southern comfort foods like mashed potatoes or cornbread.
Make Over
Make Ahead
Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Storing
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Freezing
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes! Blanch fresh green beans for 3-4 minutes or use thawed frozen green beans before assembling the dish.
Can I add more seasonings?
Absolutely! Try adding black pepper, onion powder, or a dash of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
What can I use instead of bacon?
Crispy turkey bacon or smoked ham pieces work well for a lighter option.
Crack Green Beans are an easy and addictive side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Sweet, smoky, and buttery, this dish is a must-try for any occasion!
PrintCrack Green Beans recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crack Green Beans are a deliciously sweet, savory, and buttery side dish topped with crispy bacon. This easy casserole is baked to perfection, making it the perfect complement to any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cans (14 oz each) green beans, drained (42 oz total)
- 12 strips bacon, cooked until slightly crispy
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare Bacon:
- Cook bacon over medium heat until slightly crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Drain canned green beans and place them in a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
- Bake:
- Pour the sauce evenly over the green beans.
- Top with the cooked bacon pieces.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 40 minutes.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and serve warm.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooled green beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes.
- Variations: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick or use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 480g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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