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Crack Green Beans

Crack green beans are baked green beans with a sticky brown sugar soy glaze, crispy chopped bacon, and caramelized edges. Blanch first, then bake uncovered at 350°F until the sauce clings and turns glossy.
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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: 290
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 garlic, minced
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 baking dish

Method
 

Prep and blanch
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 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 it ready for layering on the beans.
Bake with bacon glaze
  1. Place the drained green beans in a 9x13-inch baking dish and top with the cooked bacon. Spread them into an even layer so they cook uniformly.
  2. Whisk the brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper until smooth. Pour the glaze over the beans, coating as much surface area as possible.
  3. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes at 350°F, stirring once midway. Bake until the glaze is sticky and caramelized, with a glossy brown sheen.

Notes

Pro tip: make sure the glaze is fully poured into the dish so the top beans can caramelize; stir once during baking to recoat for even stickiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended because the green beans can soften. For a lower-sodium swap, use reduced-sodium soy sauce while keeping the same bake time.