Easy Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are the perfect little bites of smoky, crunchy, and fresh all rolled into one. Crisp green beans are bundled together and wrapped in savory bacon, then baked until the bacon is crispy and the beans are tender. These bundles make a simple yet impressive side dish that’s packed with flavor and really fun to eat.
I love making these whenever I want to add a special touch to a weeknight dinner or bring something tasty to a party. The bacon adds such a great smoky flavor while the green beans stay bright and crisp, so you get the best of both worlds. My little tip is to use toothpicks to hold the bundles together—makes serving and eating so much easier!
These bundles are always a crowd-pleaser, whether I serve them alongside a roast or just as a snack before dinner. I’ve even found that they’re great for holidays because they look fancy but don’t take much effort at all. Whenever I make them, there’s always a few sneaky bites left over for me to enjoy later—and they taste just as good the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Green Beans
- Fresh green beans add a nice crunch and brightness. If you can’t find fresh, frozen green beans work too—just thaw and pat dry before using.
- Bacon
- Regular or thin-cut slices both work. Thin bacon crisps faster, while thick bacon gives more chew. For a healthier option, try turkey bacon.
- Parmesan Cheese
- Adds a salty, nutty boost. You can swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or even a sprinkle of cheddar for a different twist.
- Garlic and Olive Oil
- These pack flavor and help the beans cook evenly. You can use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t handy.
How Do You Wrap and Bake the Green Bean Bundles Perfectly?
Wrapping and baking need care to keep beans tender and bacon crispy:
- Wrap the bacon snugly but without tearing. Cut bacon slices in half to fit bundles better.
- Use a toothpick to hold the bundle securely, especially if bacon slips.
- Place bundles seam-side down on the baking sheet to keep bacon from unrolling.
- Sprinkle cheese on top before baking so it melts and crisps nicely.
- Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. Check bacon at 20 mins to avoid burning.
- Let bundles cool a few minutes before serving to let bacon firm up.
These steps help you get that perfect balance of crispy bacon and tender green beans every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for baking the bundles evenly and catching bacon drips.
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper – makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- Mixing bowl – to toss the green beans with olive oil and seasonings.
- Sharp knife – for trimming green beans and cutting bacon slices in half.
- Toothpicks – essential to hold the bacon-wrapped bundles securely together.
- Tongs – handy for turning bundles if you want even crisping on all sides.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap green beans for asparagus spears for a milder, tender option that cooks quickly.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking for a touch of heat and extra flavor.
- Top bundles with shredded cheddar or mozzarella instead of Parmesan for a gooey twist.
- Mix cooked and crumbled sausage into the bundles for a heartier, meat-filled side dish.
Easy Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 8 slices of bacon (regular or thin-cut)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Toothpicks (to secure bundles)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a few minutes trimming and seasoning the green beans, assembling the bundles, then simply bake until crispy and tender. Total time: around 30-35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to keep cleanup easy.
2. Prepare the Green Beans:
Rinse and trim the green beans by snapping off the ends, then pat them dry with a towel. Place the beans in a large bowl, toss with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until everything is well coated.
3. Assemble the Bundles:
Divide the green beans into 8 small bundles, each with about 8 to 10 beans. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise, giving you two shorter strips per slice. Wrap one bacon strip around each green bean bundle, securing with a toothpick if needed to keep everything together.
4. Bake and Finish:
Place the bundles seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each bundle. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the green beans are tender yet still have a little crunch. Let the bundles cool a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy these smoky, cheesy, and fresh-tasting bundles as a delicious side dish or kid-friendly appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to make!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent the bacon from crisping properly.
Can I Prepare These Bundles Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the bundles and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for best crispiness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Use Something Other Than Bacon?
Sure! Turkey bacon or even prosciutto work well as alternatives. Just keep an eye on cooking times since they may crisp up differently.