These bacon wrapped green beans are a simple, elegant appetizer or side dish that comes together in about 30 minutes. Crispy, savory bacon wrapped around bright green beans makes a crowd-pleasing addition to holiday tables, game day spreads, or casual dinner parties. With a touch of balsamic, fresh herbs, and shredded Parmesan, this recipe elevates a humble vegetable into something memorable.
Move over bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts — these green bean bundles are festive, easy to make, and perfect when you want a flavorful vegetable side. The method is straightforward: partially bake the bacon first so it holds its shape, toss the green beans with olive oil, balsamic, herbs, and Parmesan, then wrap the bundles and finish baking until the bacon is browned. They look impressive but require minimal effort.
What You Need for Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
These flavorful bundles come together with fresh, simple ingredients. You’ll need:
- Thick-cut bacon (about 1 lb., 10–12 strips)
- Fresh green beans (about 1 lb., rinsed and trimmed)
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
- Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons)
- Fresh thyme and fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon each, minced)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup)
- Salt and ground pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon each)
Substitutions and Variations
Customize this recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand:
- Bacon: For a sweeter finish, use brown sugar-cured bacon. For a spicier, savory option, choose cracked-pepper bacon. Both change the flavor but work well.
- Vegetables: Swap green beans for asparagus spears to make bacon wrapped asparagus. Thinner spears may require fewer per bundle.
- Cheese: Replace Parmesan with another hard cheese, such as Pecorino or aged Asiago, or try a light sprinkling of shredded cheddar for a different profile.
- Glaze: If you like a touch of sweetness, brush a little honey or maple syrup on the bacon before the final bake for a caramelized finish.
FAQ
Do you have to precook the bacon? Yes. Par-baking the bacon for about 10 minutes helps it hold its shape and ensures a better texture after wrapping and finishing in the oven.
How do you keep green beans bright green? Blanching the trimmed green beans in boiling water for one minute and then plunging them into ice water keeps them bright and prevents color loss. This step is optional but recommended when you want the best visual result.
Simple Bacon Wrapped Green Beans Recipe
Prep time: 15 mins • Cook time: 15 mins • Total time: 30 mins • Servings: 10 bundles
Author: Emily Richter
Ingredients
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon (10–12 strips)
- 1 lb fresh green beans, rinsed and trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bacon
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Lay the uncooked bacon strips on the rack in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
- Bake for about 10 minutes to partially cook the bacon. This step helps the bacon hold its shape when wrapped.
2. Prepare the Green Beans
- If you prefer extra-bright green beans, bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the trimmed beans for 1 minute, then transfer them to an ice bath. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced thyme, minced rosemary, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- After the bacon has par-baked for 10 minutes, remove it from the oven and set aside. Use a paper towel to spread remaining bacon grease across the baking sheet to lightly grease the pan, or grease the sheet with a little olive oil.
3. Assemble and Bake Bundles
- Lay a partially cooked bacon strip on the prepared baking sheet. Place 8–10 green beans across the bacon, perpendicular to the strip. Roll the bacon around the beans to form a neat bundle. Repeat with the remaining strips and beans.
- Arrange the bundles on the baking sheet. If you have extra herbs or cheese, sprinkle lightly over the bundles.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked and nicely browned. Watch closely in the final minutes so the bacon reaches your preferred level of crispness without burning.
Tips & Notes
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to crisp the bacon again.
- Make ahead: Assemble the bundles and store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready, bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Secure the bundles: If bacon slips, insert a toothpick through each bundle before baking to hold it in place. Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Batch cooking: Work with one bacon strip at a time to keep assembly efficient. If making large quantities, rotate baking sheets in the oven for even browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bacon wrapped green beans as an appetizer at gatherings or as a side for holiday dinners. They pair well with roasted or baked chicken, pasta dishes, mac and cheese, or any main course that benefits from a savory, crisp side. For parties, arrange on a platter and garnish with extra grated Parmesan and a few fresh herb sprigs.
Storage and Reheating
These bundles are best enjoyed fresh, when the bacon is crisp and the cheese is warm. To reheat leftovers, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon re-crisps. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve crispness.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories: 109 kcal • Carbohydrates: 4 g • Protein: 6 g • Fat: 8 g • Fiber: 1 g • Sugar: 2 g
Nutrition values are approximate and should be used as a guideline only.