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Crack Green Beans

Crack green beans are roasted until the green beans turn tender-crisp and the brown sugar soy glaze caramelizes into a sticky coating. Chopped bacon adds crunch and savory depth, with garlic and black pepper finishing the flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Green beans
  • 2 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
Bacon
  • 8 slice bacon, chopped
Glaze
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 0.25 cup butter, melted
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 4 clove garlic, minced
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep
  1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Blanch the trimmed green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain.
  2. Cook the chopped bacon until mostly crisp, then drain on paper towels. Keep the oven at 350F.
Bake and caramelize glaze
  1. Place the blanched green beans in a 9x13-inch baking dish, then top with the bacon. Spread them into an even layer.
  2. Whisk the brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper until smooth. Pour the glaze evenly over the beans so they’re coated.
  3. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes at 350F, stirring once halfway through. Cook until the glaze is sticky and caramelized, with visible dark amber spots.

Notes

For the crispiest bacon bits, drain cooked bacon well on paper towels before adding it to the baking dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in a 350F oven until warmed through. Freezing isn’t recommended because the beans can turn soft. For a lower-sugar option, use a brown-sugar substitute measured 1:1 in the glaze and expect slightly less caramel browning.