This Crack Green Beans is a mouthwatering side dish made with just six ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, irresistibly delicious, and healthy enough to feel good about indulging! Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or holiday dinners, this dish is guaranteed to become your favorite way to serve green beans.
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This recipe earns the name “Crack Green Beans” because it’s unbelievably addictive. The sweet, savory, and buttery flavor combination will have you coming back for seconds—maybe even thirds.
Green beans are a staple in my kitchen, and I love experimenting with them in dishes like gising-gising, Chinese stir-fried green beans, or the classic green bean casserole. This recipe takes the spotlight because it’s so easy to make.
Trust me, you might want to double the batch—you’ll be snacking on them before they even hit the table!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Only six pantry staples are needed to whip this up.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute sides.
- Sweet and Savory: The balance of brown sugar, bacon, and seasonings creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
- Versatile: Works for casual dinners, holiday spreads, or even meal prep.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s so good, even picky eaters will ask for more.
What is Crack Green Beans?
Crack Green Beans is a dish that combines fresh green beans, crispy bacon, brown sugar, and a savory seasoning blend. The magic lies in the caramelized glaze that coats the beans, making each bite sweet, savory, and perfectly buttery.
This recipe takes green beans to a whole new level. It’s an upgrade from your typical steamed or boiled beans, with flavors that rival any gourmet dish.
Plus, it’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need:
- Green Beans: Fresh and crisp, they’re the star of the dish.
- Bacon: Adds smoky, salty goodness and crunchy texture.
- Brown Sugar: For a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- Maggi Seasoning: Enhances the umami factor for an irresistible taste.
- Garlic and Shallots: Aromatic and flavorful, these create a perfect base for the dish.
- Butter: Brings richness and helps bind all the flavors together.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitution and Additions
- Turkey Bacon: For a lighter option, swap regular bacon with turkey bacon.
- Soy Sauce: Use soy sauce as a substitute for Maggi seasoning if preferred.
- Maple Syrup: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Onions: Use regular onions if shallots aren’t available.
- Vegetable Oil: Substitute butter with oil for a dairy-free option.
- Crushed Red Pepper: Add a pinch for a spicy kick.
How To Make Crack Green Beans?
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving the grease.
- Melt Butter: Add butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic and Shallots: Toss in garlic and shallots, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook Green Beans: Add green beans to the skillet, stirring to coat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender but crisp.
- Add Brown Sugar and Seasoning: Sprinkle in brown sugar and Maggi seasoning, stirring until the sugar melts and coats the beans.
- Top with Bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon over the beans before serving. Enjoy!
Variations
- Cheesy Crack Green Beans: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beans before serving.
- Spicy Version: Add sriracha or chili flakes for a fiery twist.
- Mushroom Mix: Include sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Honey Garlic: Replace brown sugar with honey and add extra garlic for a sweet and tangy profile.
- Asian-Inspired: Add sesame oil and sesame seeds for an Asian twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.
What To Serve With This
- Roast Chicken: A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
- Baked Salmon: The savory beans complement the buttery fish perfectly.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the sweetness of the beans.
- Garlic Bread: Mop up any leftover glaze with buttery bread.
- Steak or Steak bites: Elevate your steak dinner with these flavorful beans.
- Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy side to go with the rich flavors.
- Fried Rice: Add these beans as a topping for an Asian-inspired meal.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing side to balance the richness.
- Baked Ham: A perfect holiday pairing with salty-sweet harmony.
- Pasta Alfredo: Rich and creamy pasta works wonderfully.
- Meatloaf: Classic comfort food meets an upgraded side dish.
- BBQ Ribs: Smoky ribs and sweet beans are a match made in heaven.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: Keep it light and fresh with charred veggies.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results.
Rose's Top Tips
- Trim the ends of green beans for a clean look and even cooking.
- Cook bacon until crispy for maximum texture and flavor.
- Using fresh green beans is the secret to achieving the best taste and crunch. For tips on keeping your green beans fresh and crisp, be sure to check out my article on how to keep green beans fresh!"
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce works well as a replacement.
Yes, prepare the beans and store them in the fridge, then reheat before serving.
Let's Eat More Veggies!
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Crack Green Beans
Equipment
- 1 skillet or pan
Ingredients
- ½ pound Green Beans cut in half
- ¼ pound Bacon diced
- 1 teaspoons Brown Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Maggi Seasoning
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 piece Shallot minced
- 2 tablespoon Butter
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, reserving the grease.
- Melt Butter: Add butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic and Shallots: Toss in garlic and shallots, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook Green Beans: Add green beans to the skillet, stirring to coat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender but crisp.
- Add Brown Sugar and Seasoning: Sprinkle in brown sugar and Maggi seasoning, stirring until the sugar melts and coats the beans.
- Top with Bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon over the beans before serving. Enjoy!
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Notes
- Trim the ends of green beans for a clean look and even cooking.
- Cook bacon until crispy for maximum texture and flavor.
- Using fresh green beans is the secret to achieving the best taste and crunch. For tips on keeping your green beans fresh and crisp, be sure to check out my article on how to keep green beans fresh!"
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
