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Crack Green Beans

Crack green beans are oven-baked green beans with a sticky brown sugar soy glaze and crispy bacon pieces. Blanch first for crisp-tender bite, then bake uncovered until caramelized and glossy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Green beans
  • 2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
Bacon
  • 8 slices bacon, chopped
Glaze
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 0.25 cup butter, melted
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 4 clove garlic, minced
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Trim green beans and set aside.
  2. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain. Keep them hot while you cook the bacon.
  3. Cook bacon in a skillet until mostly crisp, then drain on paper towels. Set aside while you mix the glaze.
Assemble and bake
  1. Place drained green beans in a 9x13-inch baking dish, then top with bacon. Spread them into an even layer so the glaze clings.
  2. Whisk brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper until smooth. Pour the glaze over the beans so everything is coated.
  3. Bake uncovered at 350F for 30-35 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Cook until the glaze is sticky and caramelized with a glossy brown finish.

Notes

For best caramelization, use packed brown sugar and stir once during baking so the sticky glaze coats the beans evenly. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350F oven or microwave until hot. Freezing isn’t recommended because the beans can soften when thawed. For a lighter option, use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon and keep the rest of the glaze the same.