Green Bean Bundles are a simple and tasty side dish that combines fresh green beans wrapped up in savory bacon. The crispness of the green beans pairs perfectly with the smoky, slightly crispy bacon, making every bite a little taste surprise. It’s a great way to jazz up your veggies and add some fun to the dinner table.
I love making Green Bean Bundles when I want something easy but still feels special. Wrapping the beans in bacon takes just a few minutes, but it makes a big difference. A little tip I always follow is to blanch the green beans first so they stay bright and tender when cooked with the bacon. It’s such a small step that makes the bundles just right every time.
These bundles are perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or anytime you want a side dish that’s both healthy and comforting. I like serving them alongside roast chicken or a hearty main dish, and they always disappear quickly because everyone loves the mix of flavors. Plus, they look so cute and clever on the plate, which always earns me some compliments!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are best for this recipe. They have a nice snap and bright color after blanching. If you can’t find fresh, frozen green beans can work—just thaw and pat dry before bundling.
Bacon: Regular cut bacon crisps well and adds smoky flavor. For a leaner option, try turkey bacon, but it won’t get as crispy. Thin slices wrap easily and cook faster.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary brings a lovely herbal note. If you don’t have fresh, dried rosemary works but use less as it’s more concentrated.
Olive Oil & Seasonings: Olive oil helps crisp the bacon and season the beans. Garlic powder or minced garlic adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you prefer a simpler taste.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Bacon Without Burning?
Balancing the bacon’s crispness with tender green beans is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Preheat oven to 400°F for even cooking.
- Blanch green beans first to keep them tender and bright.
- Wrap bacon tightly, place bundles seam-side down to prevent unraveling.
- Drizzle olive oil lightly; this helps bacon crisp without drying out.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes watching closely near the end.
If bacon is crisping too fast, reduce oven heat slightly or cover loosely with foil to slow down cooking. This way, your bacon will be perfectly crispy without burning, while green beans stay just tender.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – large and sturdy to hold all the bundles in one layer for even cooking.
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil – makes cleanup easy and prevents the bacon from sticking.
- Large pot – to blanch green beans quickly and keep their bright color and crunch.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – helps transfer green beans to ice water without splashing.
- Bowl of ice water – stops green beans from cooking further after blanching, keeping them crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for prosciutto for a slightly less smoky, salty taste that crisps differently.
- Add sliced almonds or chopped pecans inside bundles for crunch and nutty flavor.
- Try brushing bundles with a maple or honey glaze before baking for a sweet-savory twist.
- Mix fresh thyme or sage with rosemary for an herby change that pairs well with bacon.
How to Make Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon with Rosemary
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bundles:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 12 slices bacon (thin or regular cut)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4-6 sprigs fresh rosemary (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: garlic powder or minced garlic for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking time. Including blanching and cooling the green beans, plan for a total of around 35-40 minutes to complete the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier.
2. Blanch the Green Beans:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer the beans into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and keep their vibrant color. Drain thoroughly and pat dry.
3. Assemble the Bundles:
Divide the green beans into 12 equal bundles, each containing about 8-10 beans. Wrap each bundle tightly with a slice of bacon, securing the ends by tucking them in or using a toothpick if needed.
4. Season and Add Rosemary:
Place the bundles on the prepared baking sheet with the bacon seam side down. Drizzle olive oil lightly over the bundles, then season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or minced garlic. Top each bundle with a small sprig of fresh rosemary for flavor and garnish.
5. Bake Until Crispy:
Bake the bundles in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the green beans are tender.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the bundles from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with extra rosemary sprigs, if you like, and serve warm as a delicious side dish that’s sure to impress.
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen green beans! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before bundling to avoid extra moisture, which can make the bacon less crispy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the bundles and wrap them in bacon a few hours ahead. Keep them covered in the fridge and bake just before serving for the freshest taste and crispiest bacon.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the bacon crispy.
Can I Substitute Rosemary with Other Herbs?
Absolutely! Thyme, sage, or even fresh oregano make great alternatives and bring unique flavors that pair well with bacon and green beans.
