Crack Green Beans

This crack green beans recipe features tender green beans combined with crispy turkey bacon, all enveloped in a delicious brown sugar and soy sauce glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any family dinner, these sweet and savory green beans will surely impress your guests. With its unique blend of flavors, this dish stands out as a delightful side that pairs well with various main courses.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This dish requires minimal prep and cook time, making it a breeze to whip up.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet brown sugar and savory soy sauce creates an irresistible taste sensation.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or potlucks, these crack green beans complement any meal.
• Crispy Texture: The addition of crispy turkey bacon adds a delightful crunch that elevates the dish.
• Healthier Alternative: Using turkey bacon provides a lower-fat option without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand can make preparing crack green beans even easier. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking and allows for easy serving.
• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl helps combine ingredients smoothly without spills.
• Whisk: Using a whisk allows for thorough mixing of the glaze ingredients for optimal flavor distribution.

Ingredients

To create this delightful crack green beans recipe, gather the following ingredients:

Fresh Ingredients

• 24 oz fresh green beans

Flavor Additions

• 8 slices Turkey Bacon
• 2 Tbsp butter (melted)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme

How to Make Crack Green Beans

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Start by cooking the turkey bacon until crispy. Once done, chop the turkey bacon into bits and set aside.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

In a medium or small bowl, combine:
1. Melted butter
2. Brown sugar
3. Honey
4. Soy sauce
5. Garlic powder
6. Paprika
7. Thyme
8. Onion powder

Whisk everything together until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the fresh green beans to a 9×9 baking dish (or similar size). Pour the soy sauce mixture over the beans and mix well. Add in the chopped turkey bacon bits and stir again.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 45 minutes or until the green beans reach your desired tenderness. Toss once or twice around 20-30 minutes into baking for even cooking.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm with some of the sauce reserves poured over top for added flavor and enjoy!

How to Serve Crack Green Beans

Crack green beans are a delightful side dish that pairs well with many meals. Their sweet and savory flavor makes them an excellent addition to any dinner table. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Grilled Chicken

• Tender grilled chicken complements the sweetness of the crack green beans, creating a balanced meal.

Alongside Roasted Turkey

• The rich flavors of roasted turkey pair perfectly with these green beans, making it a great choice for festive occasions.

Paired with Beef Stir-Fry

• A beef stir-fry adds protein and variety, while the crack green beans provide a crunchy contrast to the tender meat.

Served with Quinoa Salad

• A refreshing quinoa salad alongside crack green beans offers a nutritious and colorful plate that is both satisfying and healthy.

How to Perfect Crack Green Beans

To make your crack green beans even better, consider these simple tips. They will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.

• Choose Fresh Green Beans: Fresh, crisp green beans will ensure a vibrant color and crunch in your dish.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar or honey based on your sweetness preference for a more personalized taste.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Try adding different herbs or spices like rosemary or cayenne pepper for extra flavor depth.
• Toss Midway Through Baking: Tossing the beans halfway through cooking ensures even coating and prevents burning.

Best Side Dishes for Crack Green Beans

Crack green beans can shine alongside various side dishes. Here are some great options to serve with them:

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
   A classic comfort dish that adds richness, making it an ideal pairing with crack green beans.
2. Garlic Roasted Potatoes
   Crispy garlic roasted potatoes provide a delightful crunch and aromatic flavor that complements the green beans.
3. Honey Glazed Carrots
   Sweet honey glazed carrots echo the sweetness in crack green beans, creating harmony on your plate.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers
   Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with grains or meat add variety and texture alongside this delicious side.
5. Vegetable Stir-Fry
   A mix of sautéed vegetables adds freshness and nutrients, perfectly balancing the flavors of crack green beans.
6. Cornbread Muffins
   Soft cornbread muffins offer a comforting touch that contrasts nicely with the savory-sweet profile of the green beans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing crack green beans, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Bacon Crisping: Not cooking the Turkey Bacon until crispy can lead to a chewy texture. Always ensure it’s nice and crispy for the best flavor.
• Underestimating Cooking Time: Rushing the baking process may leave your green beans too firm. Bake them until soft, adjusting time as needed for your preferred texture.
• Ignoring Seasoning Measurements: Adding too much or too little of the seasonings can alter the flavor balance. Measure carefully to maintain that sweet and savory profile.
• Forgetting to Toss the Beans: Neglecting to toss the green beans halfway through cooking can result in uneven flavor distribution. Stir them at least once for even coating.
• Using Old Green Beans: Freshness matters! Using old or wilted beans can compromise taste and texture. Always select vibrant, firm green beans for this recipe.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Crack Green Beans

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Best used within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Crack Green Beans

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1 minute, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water; stir until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making crack green beans.

What are Crack Green Beans?

Crack green beans are a flavorful side dish featuring tender green beans coated in a sweet and savory sauce, often enhanced with crispy turkey bacon.

Can I customize Crack Green Beans?

Absolutely! You can add different spices or even incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrition.

How do I make Crack Green Beans vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the turkey bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein.

Can I use frozen green beans instead?

Yes, you can use frozen green beans; just adjust the cooking time as they may require less baking time than fresh ones.

Final Thoughts

This crack green beans recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to complement various meals. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients! Give it a try at your next gathering, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Crack Green Beans

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Crack Green Beans are a deliciously addictive side dish that combines fresh green beans with crispy turkey bacon, all enveloped in a sweet and savory brown sugar and soy sauce glaze. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or potlucks, impressing guests with its delightful crunch and flavorful profile. The combination of tender green beans and the richness of turkey bacon creates a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with various main courses.

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Ingredients

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• 24 oz fresh green beans
• 8 slices turkey bacon
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsp honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Cook the turkey bacon until crispy; chop into bits and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme until smooth.
4. In a baking dish, combine fresh green beans with the glaze mixture and turkey bacon bits; mix well.
5. Bake for 45 minutes or until green beans reach desired tenderness; toss halfway through for even cooking.
6. Serve warm with extra sauce poured over top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg