Prepare to revolutionize your vegetable side dish with a mind-blowing Brown Sugar Green Beans and Bacon recipe that will make even the most veggie-resistant family members beg for seconds! This isn't just another boring green bean recipe - it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary green beans into a caramelized, crispy, sweet-and-salty sensation that will steal the show at your next dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans
- 4 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the fresh green beans thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the stem ends and remove any blemished or discolored beans.
- Pat the green beans completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to ensure proper roasting and caramelization.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), which will provide high heat for roasting and creating crispy bacon.
- Cut the bacon slices into 1-inch pieces, which will distribute the bacon more evenly across the green beans.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil, ensuring each bean is lightly coated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Spread the green beans in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting.
- Sprinkle the bacon pieces evenly over the green beans.
- Generously distribute the brown sugar over the green beans and bacon, ensuring even coverage for caramelization.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15-18 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking.
- Remove from oven when green beans are tender-crisp and bacon is crispy, and the brown sugar has created a glossy, caramelized coating.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the sugars to set slightly.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately while warm, allowing the flavors to be enjoyed at their peak.
Tips
- Always start with fresh, crisp green beans and pat them completely dry to ensure perfect roasting and caramelization.
- Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness. The thicker cut will provide more robust bacon bits.
- Don't overcrowd your baking sheet - give the green beans space to roast, not steam. This ensures they get crispy edges and caramelize beautifully.
- Watch the brown sugar carefully during the last few minutes of roasting to prevent burning. The goal is a glossy, caramelized coating, not a burnt mess.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes or garlic powder before roasting for an additional flavor dimension.
- Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the perfect contrast of crispy bacon, tender-crisp green beans, and sweet caramelized coating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
