This crack green beans recipe is a delightful and vibrant side dish that brings together tender green beans coated in a savory-sweet glaze. The addition of crispy Turkey Bacon adds a satisfying crunch, making it perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to holiday feasts. With its unique blend of flavors, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a staple on your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of brown sugar, honey, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering balance of sweet and savory.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish in under an hour.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for pairing with any main course, from roasted chicken to grilled steak.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters at your table.
- Healthy Twist: Using Turkey Bacon offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make crack green beans successfully, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment will streamline the cooking process and help you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A sturdy dish ensures even cooking and allows for easy mixing of ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: This is necessary for combining the ingredients without spilling them everywhere.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of chopping Turkey Bacon into bits.
- Cutting board: Protects your counters while providing a stable surface for cutting.
Ingredients
For this delicious crack green beans recipe, gather the following ingredients:
Green Beans
- 24 oz fresh green beans
Flavor Enhancers
- 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. After it’s cooked, chop the Turkey Bacon into bits and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium or small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and onion powder.
Step 3: Prepare the Green Beans
Add the fresh green beans to a 9×9 baking dish (or similar in size). Pour the soy sauce mixture over the beans and mix well. Then add in the chopped Turkey Bacon bits and stir again until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 45 minutes or until the green beans are softened to your preferred texture. Remember to toss once or twice at about 20-30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm with some of the sauce reserves poured over the top. Enjoy your flavorful crack green beans as a perfect side dish!
How to Serve Crack Green Beans
Crack green beans are a delightful side dish that can elevate any meal. Their sweet and savory flavors pair well with various main courses, making them versatile and easy to serve.
With Grilled Chicken
- Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the crack green beans.
Alongside Beef Stew
- The hearty richness of beef stew balances perfectly with the tender green beans, creating a comforting meal.
As a Side to Turkey Meatloaf
- Serve crack green beans next to turkey meatloaf for a delicious twist on classic comfort food.
On Top of Rice
- Spoon crack green beans over white or brown rice for a fulfilling and colorful dish.
How to Perfect Crack Green Beans
To achieve the best crack green beans, consider these helpful tips for maximum flavor and texture.
Use fresh green beans: Fresh green beans provide the best flavor and texture. Choose bright green, firm beans for optimal results.
Cook bacon until crispy: Ensuring the turkey bacon is crispy will add crunch and depth of flavor to your dish.
Mix thoroughly: Make sure to mix the soy sauce mixture well with the green beans so every bite is flavorful.
Adjust baking time: Depending on your preferred texture, you may want to bake for less or more time. Check at 40 minutes for desired doneness.
Best Side Dishes for Crack Green Beans
Pairing crack green beans with complementary dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes bring a satisfying crunch that pairs well with soft green beans.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad adds protein and fiber while keeping your meal light and healthy.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes provide a rich contrast to the sweet flavors of crack green beans.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a lovely balance of flavors alongside the savory notes of your dish.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables make for an eye-catching addition.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes complements the honey in crack green beans beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making crack green beans is a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the bacon crisping step: Ensure you cook the Turkey Bacon until crispy. This adds a necessary texture and flavor to the dish.
- Overcooking the green beans: Avoid mushy beans by monitoring cooking time closely. Bake until they reach your preferred tenderness.
- Not mixing thoroughly: Be sure to mix the green beans with the sauce mixture properly. This ensures each bean is evenly coated and flavorful.
- Using too much soy sauce: While soy sauce is key for flavor, too much can make the dish overly salty. Stick to the recommended amount for the best balance.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Everyone’s taste varies; feel free to adjust seasonings like garlic powder or paprika to suit your preference.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Crack Green Beans
- Place in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Crack Green Beans
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, spread on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making crack green beans.
How do I make Crack Green Beans vegetarian?
You can replace Turkey Bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it altogether. This will still create a delicious side dish.
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before using. Adjust cooking time as needed for frozen beans.
What can I serve with Crack Green Beans?
These green beans pair beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or any savory main dish.
How can I customize my Crack Green Beans?
Feel free to add nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch or sprinkle with cheese before serving for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
Crack green beans are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. They can complement various main dishes while offering a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different seasonings or toppings to make this dish your own!
Crack Green Beans
Crack green beans are a delightful side dish that will elevate your meals with their vibrant flavors and satisfying texture. Coated in a savory-sweet glaze made from honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar, these tender green beans are enhanced with the crunch of crispy turkey bacon. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to pair with a variety of main courses, making it a perfect addition to family dinners and holiday feasts alike. Whether you serve them alongside grilled chicken or as part of a hearty beef stew, crack green beans are sure to impress your guests and become a staple at your table.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 24 oz fresh green beans
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the turkey bacon until crispy, then chop into bits and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and onion powder.
- In a baking dish, combine fresh green beans with the soy sauce mixture and turkey bacon bits. Stir until evenly coated.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until green beans reach your desired tenderness, tossing once or twice during baking.
- Serve warm with remaining sauce poured over the top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg