Do you love the combination of smoky, salty bacon and tender green beans? This recipe delivers big flavors by roasting fresh green beans with crispy bacon pieces, caramelized onions, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar. Every bite packs a satisfying crunch!
Why should you try these green beans? When the beans roast in the oven, they become lightly charred while remaining vibrant green inside. Meanwhile, the bacon renders and crisps, blanketing the beans with smoky maple flavor. It’s a foolproof technique for the best green bean casserole side ever.
Let’s start with the FAQs:
What type of bacon works best?
Thick-cut bacon is my top choice, as it renders fat and crisps up perfectly when roasted. I recommend using uncured, applewood smoked bacon for the best smoky maple flavor. Thin bacon tends to overcook and burn quickly. For a vegetarian version, try roasted shiitake mushrooms instead!
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chop and prep all the ingredients up to 2 days in advance. Store the prepped green beans, onions, garlic and bacon separately in the fridge until ready to roast. When ready, simply toss everything together with the seasoning and pop it in the oven.
How long will these keep after baking?
These green beans are best enjoyed right after roasting, while the bacon is still crispy. However, you can hold them at room temperature for 1-2 hours before the texture declines. Reheating them briefly in a 400°F oven restores some crispness. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days, then reheat before serving.
What if some green beans are thicker than others?
No worries! I recommend trimming any extra-large green beans in half lengthwise first so they cook at the same rate as the thinner beans. This ensures everything roasts evenly without some beans ending up underdone and crunchy.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 15 ounces thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1⁄4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, washed, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, fry the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a large bowl, toss the green beans, onions, garlic, broth, sugar and spices until coated.
- Spread the green bean mixture on the baking sheet in a single layer. Top with crispy bacon pieces.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until the beans are lightly charred and tender, stirring halfway.
- Enjoy immediately as a holiday side or potluck contribution!
Tips:
- Swap half the bacon for pancetta for a more Italian flavor
- Add freshly grated Parmesan for extra richness
- Stir in halved grapes or dried cranberries for sweet bursts
