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Ingredients for Crack Green Beans
- 4 cans (14.5 oz each) of cut green beans, drained (or 1 ½ to 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and blanched)
- 5-6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking dish – for baking the green beans and sauce.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the sauce ingredients.
- Frying pan – to cook the bacon.
- Tongs or slotted spoon – to remove and crumble the bacon.
- Foil – to cover the dish while baking.
How to Make Crack Green Beans
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a frying pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and let it cool slightly before crumbling it into small pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Place the drained green beans in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce over the green beans and gently toss to coat them evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the green beans are tender. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to let the bacon crisp up even more.
Step 6: Serve
Once the green beans are done, remove them from the oven and give them a gentle stir to distribute the sauce and bacon evenly. Serve hot and enjoy the addictive flavor!
Tips and Variations
- Use fresh green beans: While canned green beans are convenient, fresh green beans can be used for an even better texture. Simply blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before using them in the recipe.
- Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
- Switch up the bacon: Turkey bacon or pancetta can be used as a leaner alternative to regular bacon, while still giving you that smoky, crispy goodness.
- Balance the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar to 1/3 cup or use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because these green beans are so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Pairing Suggestions
Crack Green Beans are an incredibly versatile side dish and pair beautifully with a wide range of main courses. Here are a few ideas:
- Roast chicken or turkey: The sweetness of the sauce complements savory roast poultry dishes, making these green beans a great option for holiday meals.
- Grilled steak: Serve this alongside a juicy grilled steak for a hearty, flavorful meal.
- Pork chops: The combination of bacon and green beans with pork chops is a match made in heaven. Try pairing this dish with a pan-seared or grilled pork chop for a balanced dinner.
- BBQ dishes: Crack green beans are a great side for smoked ribs, pulled pork, or barbecue chicken.
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