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Crack Green Beans

Crack green beans are roasted green beans with a sticky brown sugar soy glaze and crispy bacon. The beans are blanched first for a tender-crisp bite, then baked 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: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crack Green Beans
  • 2 lb fresh green beans Trimmed.
  • 8 bacon slices Chopped.
  • 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
  • 1 baking dish

Method
 

Prep and blanch
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3 minutes, then drain.
  2. Cook the chopped bacon until mostly crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
Assemble and bake
  1. Place the blanched green beans in a 9x13-inch baking dish and top with bacon. Arrange them in an even layer so the glaze coats every bite.
  2. Whisk the brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper in a bowl. Pour the glaze evenly over the beans.
  3. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, stirring once during baking, until the glaze is sticky and caramelized. Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving so the glaze clings to the beans.

Notes

For best caramelization, use packed brown sugar and stir only once halfway through so the glaze can set on the beans. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat covered at 325F until hot. Freeze is not recommended because the beans can soften after thawing. For a lighter option, use turkey bacon and reduce butter to 2 tbsp while keeping the same glaze ratio.