Name: Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles Perfect for Holiday Feasts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Fresh Green Beans (Ends trimmed); 12 slices Uncooked Bacon (Turkey bacon can be used); 10 stalks Fresh Chives (For tying the bundles); 1/2 cup Butter (Olive oil for dairy-free version); 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Fresh herbs can be used); 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt (Adjust based on garlic preference); 1/4 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast for dairy-free)

As the aroma of sizzling bacon fills the air, you realize you’ve just discovered your new favorite holiday side dish: Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles. These crispy, savory delights are a surefire way to impress your guests while keeping it simple. In less than 30 minutes, you can prepare this low-carb, gluten-free option that satisfies both your cravings and dietary needs. The tender green beans draped in crispy bacon, finished with a rich garlic butter glaze, create an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a festive gathering, these bundles will steal the spotlight on your table. Ready to elevate your holiday menu with this easy yet elegant dish? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Are These Bundles a Must-Try?

Irresistible Combination: The fusion of crispy bacon and tender green beans creates a taste sensation that is hard to resist. Flavorful Glaze: Finished with a garlic butter glaze, each bite is packed with rich, savory flavor. Quick Preparation: You’ll love that these Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings. Diet-Friendly: Ideal for various diets, they’re gluten-free, low-carb, and paleo-friendly, catering to all your guests. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With their stunning presentation, these bundles are sure to be a hit at any holiday meal, making them a must-have addition to your festive spread!

Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles Ingredients

For the Bundles

Fresh Green Beans – A crisp and fresh base; remember to trim the ends for even cooking.
Uncooked Bacon – Offers a savory flavor and crispy texture when baked; turkey bacon can be a lighter alternative.
Fresh Chives – Perfect for tying the bundles, adding a mild onion taste; substitute with kitchen twine if needed.

For the Garlic Butter Glaze

Butter – Richness incarnate; olive oil can be used for a dairy-free version.
Black Pepper – Adds a hint of spice; adjust to suit your taste preferences.
Italian Seasoning – Enhances the flavor with a blend of herbs; fresh herbs are a delightful substitute.
Garlic Salt – Elevates the taste; tweak the quantity based on your love for garlic.

For Extra Flavor

Shredded Parmesan Cheese – Adds depth and richness to the dish; nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option.

These Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are not just a feast for the eyes, but they’re also a gluten-free delight packed into each savory bite!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking. This temperature is perfect for crisping the bacon without overcooking the green beans. Use a reliable oven thermometer if needed to ensure accuracy for your Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Arrange uncooked bacon slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place them in the oven and bake for about 7 minutes, until they are slightly cooked but not crispy. This helps render some fat while still keeping the bacon flexible enough to wrap around the green beans easily.

Step 3: Prepare the Green Beans
While your bacon is baking, prepare your fresh green beans by trimming off the ends for even cooking. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then blanch the green beans for 2 minutes. As soon as they are bright green and tender-crisp, transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.

Step 4: Make the Butter Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt half a cup of butter. Once melted, stir in black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt to create a luscious garlic butter glaze. This mixture will add a delightful flavor to your Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles, enhancing each bite.

Step 5: Coat the Green Beans
Drain the green beans from the ice bath and pat them dry. Toss them gently in the buttery glaze until they are evenly coated. Ensure the green beans absorb all the flavors, which will beautifully complement the crispy bacon once baked.

Step 6: Wrap the Bundles
Now it’s time to assemble your bundles! Take a bacon slice, place 10-12 glazed green beans in the center, and wrap it tightly. Secure the bundle with a piece of fresh chive or kitchen twine, ensuring everything stays together during baking. Repeat this for all the green beans.

Step 7: Bake the Bundles
Arrange your wrapped bundles on the parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring there’s some space between them for even cooking. Place them in the oven and bake for another 7 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden. This step brings everything together, creating your delicious Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles.

Step 8: Serve Immediately
Once baked, take the bundles out of the oven and let them cool for a minute before serving. These delicious Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are best enjoyed warm, showcasing that crispy bacon wrapped around tender, flavorful green beans.

Make Ahead Options

These Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts who want to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the bundles up to 24 hours in advance by assembling them but keeping them uncooked. Wrap each bundle tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to prevent the bacon from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them from cold for an additional 12 minutes at 400°F (204°C) until the bacon is crispy. This method ensures that your Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles maintain their delicious flavor and texture, giving you a delightful dish with minimal last-minute effort!

What to Serve with Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Elevate your holiday dining experience with delightful accompaniments that harmonize beautifully with these irresistible bundles.

Cranberry Sauce: A tart contrast that enhances the savory richness of the bacon, balancing out the flavors perfectly.
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Their velvety texture and buttery flavor create a comforting companion to the bundles, adding heartiness to your meal.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: With their earthy notes, these add a crunchy texture and serve as a lovely foil to the smoky bacon.
Zesty Salad: A fresh salad with citrus vinaigrette can brighten your plate, offering a refreshing acidity alongside the savory bites.
Stuffing: This classic side brings warmth and nostalgia, complementing the bundles while offering a festive touch to your spread.
Sparkling Cider: A bubbly drink can help cleanse your palate between bites, enhancing the taste of both the bacon-wrapped bundles and the meal as a whole.

With these pairing options, your table will not only be beautiful but overflowing with deliciousness, ensuring an unforgettable holiday feast!

How to Store and Freeze Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, ensuring the bacon retains some crispness.

Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze uncooked bundles wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking and follow original baking instructions.

Reheating: If reheating cooked bundles, place them in a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes to revive their crispness and ensure they’re heated through evenly.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles a day in advance and bake them fresh for a delicious, hassle-free holiday side dish!

Expert Tips for Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Prepping Ahead: Make the bundles a day early and refrigerate them. Just remember to increase the baking time to 12 minutes for cold bundles.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the bacon during the first bake; bacon should be slightly undercooked so it crisps up perfectly in the oven.
Even Glaze Distribution: Ensure your green beans are well-coated with the garlic butter glaze; otherwise, some might lack flavor in your Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles.
Airflow Matters: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Space between bundles allows for even cooking and crispiness every time.
Herbal Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the glaze. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish’s flavor profile, keeping it exciting!

Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles Variations

Feel free to get creative and tailor these bundles to your personal taste!

Turkey Bacon: Swap in turkey bacon for a lighter option while still enjoying that delightful crispy texture.
Dairy-Free: Use nutritional yeast in place of shredded Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Add Balsamic Drizzle: A drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving can add a sweet and tangy twist that brightens the dish.

Embrace the unexpected! You might discover that a splash of balsamic vinegar strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet, delighting your taste buds in a new way.

Sweet Heat: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the butter glaze for an exciting spicy kick.
Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in your garlic butter glaze for a fragrant flavor boost.

The aromatics of fresh herbs can elevate these bundles, making them not just delicious but also aromatic, enticing everyone who enters your kitchen!

Extra Crunch: Try coating the bundles in crushed pork rinds before baking for an added layer of crunch.
Vegetable Mix-In: Add thinly sliced bell peppers or asparagus to the bundles for a colorful and nutritious twist.

Mixing in vegetables not only enhances flavors but also adds visual appeal, making your dish even more enticing for guests at your holiday gatherings.

With these variations, your Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles will continue to surprise and delight throughout the holiday season!

Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best green beans?
Choose fresh green beans that are firm and crisp, with a vibrant green color. Avoid beans that have dark spots, blemishes, or are limp. You want them to snap when bent, indicating their freshness.

What’s the best way to store leftover bundles?
Store any leftover Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, place them in an oven set to 350°F (177°C) for about 10-12 minutes to keep the bacon crispy while warming them through.

Can I freeze the Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles?
Absolutely! You can freeze uncooked bundles by tightly wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake them according to the original recipe instructions.

What if the bacon isn’t crispy after baking?
If your bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like after baking, you can always broil the bundles on high for a couple of minutes to achieve that desired crunch. Keep a close eye to prevent burning; it typically only takes a minute or two!

Are these bundles gluten-free?
Yes! The Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making them perfect for those following gluten-free and keto diets. Just ensure to use gluten-free bacon and check any seasonings for hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I make these bundles ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles a day before your event. Just assemble them and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, remember to increase the baking time to about 12 minutes if they’re coming straight from the refrigerator. This prep-ahead option makes them a fantastic hassle-free side dish for your holiday feasts!