Crack Green Beans
Crack green beans have quickly achieved cult-favorite status in home kitchens and online cooking communities alike thanks to their addictive sweet and savory flavor profile.
This side dish transforms ordinary green beans into an irresistible treat with the help of smoky bacon, sweet brown sugar, rich butter, and the salty punch of soy sauce.
Originally rising to popularity on Southern tables and eventually taking on viral fame, the name crack green beans refers to just how tempting and craveable this combination is.
Simple preparation, accessible ingredients, and an explosion of flavors and textures make crack green beans a staple for both weeknight dinners and holiday feasts. Whether you’ve seen them served up at family gatherings or stumbled across the trend in viral recipe videos, crack green beans deliver every time.
For the inexperienced or curious, the recipe revolves around roasting or baking green beans with a sweet, buttery sauce and plenty of crispy bacon, resulting in a dish that’s perfect for pairing with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or classic comfort foods.
Learn more about the history and uses of green beans at reputable sites like Bon Appétit (https://www.bonappetit.com/), where they delve into vegetable preparation and innovation. Ready to discover what all the buzz is about?
Dive in below for the best crack green beans recipe packed with step-by-step instructions, essential tips, and creative variations.
Ingredients for crack green beans
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, ends trimmed
- 12 ounces bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions for Making crack green beans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Wash and trim the green beans, cutting off any rough ends. Steam or blanch the green beans for 3-5 minutes until just tender but still vibrant green. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and onion powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Arrange the blanched green beans evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cooked bacon evenly over the top of the beans.
- Pour the brown sugar-soy sauce mixture over the green beans and bacon, ensuring all of the beans are coated.
- If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the dish for a touch of heat.
- Bake the crack green beans uncovered for 25-30 minutes, basting with sauce halfway through, until the beans are glazed and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then use tongs to gently toss beans with the sauce before serving.
- Serve your crack green beans hot, garnished with additional bacon or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Information
A typical serving of crack green beans (about 1 cup) contains approximately 220-260 calories, depending on the exact quantities of bacon and butter used.
The dish provides roughly 7g of protein from the bacon, about 18g of carbohydrates primarily due to brown sugar, and around 14-16g of fat, with half coming from the bacon and butter.
The green beans themselves are a good source of dietary fiber (about 4g per serving), vitamin C, and vitamin K, while also being low in sodium before the soy sauce and bacon are added.
For those concerned with sodium intake, consider using low-sodium bacon and soy sauce to make the dish more heart-healthy. While the sugars and fats add indulgence, the green beans bring key nutrients and antioxidants.
For more detailed breakdowns on green bean nutrition, check resources like Medical News Today (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/285373) for science-backed health data. As with any comfort food, moderation is key to incorporating crack green beans into a balanced diet.
Wine/Beverage Pairings With crack green beans
Crack green beans pair beautifully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, which balances the dish’s sweetness and bacon richness. Chardonnay offers a buttery complement that enhances the sauce’s flavors. Want a non-alcoholic choice? Sparkling water with a splash of lemon or apple cider cuts through the savory elements.
Light lagers or wheat beers also work, providing refreshment alongside the bold flavors of the dish.
Cooking Tips and Variations
For perfectly textured crack green beans, avoid overcooking the beans during the blanching step; they should be just tender but still have some crunch before baking. If you prefer a richer, more robust sauce, swap in dark brown sugar for extra molasses flavor.
For a smoky twist, try using thick-cut or hickory-smoked bacon. If you need a shortcut, you can use canned or frozen green beans (thawed and well-drained), though the snap of fresh beans is hard to beat.
For added depth, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of liquid smoke in the butter mix works wonders. Love a bit of heat? Chili garlic sauce or extra red pepper flakes make a great addition.
To reduce sweetness, lower the brown sugar by one-fourth or substitute with maple syrup for a nuanced flavor. Vegetarian guests? You can omit the bacon and use smoked paprika for that signature savoriness. Feel free to finish the beans under the broiler for 2-3 minutes for extra crisp edges.
The possibilities to personalize crack green beans for your taste and dietary needs are endless.
Serving Suggestions
Crack green beans are a versatile side, suitable for both weeknight dinners and more elaborate occasions like holiday feasts. Their sweet, salty, and umami-forward glaze makes them an excellent companion to classic roast beef, grilled or baked chicken, and glazed ham.
For a balanced plate, serve crack green beans with starchy sides such as mashed potatoes, herb couscous, or cornbread. They also shine when featured on buffets or potlucks thanks to their crowd-pleasing flavors and easy reheating. To elevate presentation, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving.
The dish can be prepared in advance and gently reheated in the oven, making it a reliable choice for entertaining. Try pairing with roasted root vegetables or a fresh garden salad to lighten the overall meal and contrast the beans’ decadent glaze.
Whether served in individual ramekins or family-style, crack green beans earn rave reviews from both kids and adults at any gathering.
crack green beans Health Benefits
While crack green beans are indulgent due to their sugar and bacon content, green beans themselves are low in calories, high in fiber, and provide substantial vitamin C, folate, and vitamin K. They also offer antioxidants that contribute to reduced inflammation and overall cellular health.
Opting for lower sodium bacon and soy sauce, and reducing the total amount of butter and sugar, can make the recipe more heart-friendly without sacrificing flavor. Substituting turkey bacon or omitting bacon altogether reduces saturated fat content.
Incorporating crack green beans as an occasional treat rather than a daily side ensures a balance between enjoyment and a nutritious diet. Learn more about the health benefits of green beans at Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/green-beans-benefits) for an in-depth look at their nutritional profile.
Combining traditional comfort food elements with wholesome vegetables can make family meals both satisfying and nourishing.
FAQs About crack green beans
Can I make crack green beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare crack green beans up to one day in advance. Assemble the dish and cover tightly, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as instructed, adding 5-7 minutes if baking from cold.
Are crack green beans gluten-free?
The primary concern for gluten comes from soy sauce, which often contains wheat. To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
Can I use canned or frozen green beans?
Yes, canned or frozen green beans (thawed and drained) will work, though fresh green beans provide better texture and flavor. Adjust baking time as necessary, as canned beans are already soft.
Is there a vegetarian version of crack green beans?
For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for savoriness. You can also add roasted nuts for extra crunch.
How can I make crack green beans less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar by one-third or substitute some with pure maple syrup. Adding more black pepper or red pepper flakes can also balance the sweetness.
Crack green beans have earned their fan-favorite status for a reason—the perfect marriage of sweet, salty, and savory flavors transforms a humble vegetable side into a dish people crave. With straightforward preparation and accessible ingredients, this recipe is a fantastic choice for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking to add something special to their meal rotation. Whether you serve crack green beans as part of a holiday spread or a simple weeknight dinner, their crowd-pleasing flavors are sure to impress. Remember, there are numerous ways to personalize the dish depending on your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious side, and discover firsthand why crack green beans have become such a viral sensation!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh or canned green beans, drained
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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2In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
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3In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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4Place the green beans in the baking dish. Sprinkle cooked bacon over the beans.
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5Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the beans and bacon. Toss gently to coat.
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6Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and thickened. Serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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