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Crack Green Beans

Crack green beans are an American-style side dish where blanched green beans get baked until the brown sugar–soy glaze turns sticky and caramelized, with crispy bacon in every bite. Finish with a quick stir during baking for even glossy coating.
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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: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Green beans
  • 2 lb fresh green beans Trimmed.
Bacon and flavor base
  • 8 slices bacon Chopped.
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar Packed.
  • 0.25 cup butter Melted.
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and blanch
  1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Bring a pot of boiling water and blanch the trimmed green beans for 3 minutes, then drain.
  2. Cook the chopped bacon until mostly crisp, then drain on paper towels.
Assemble and glaze
  1. Place the blanched green beans in a 9x13-inch baking dish and top with the mostly crisp bacon. Spread the beans into an even layer for better caramelization.
  2. Whisk the packed brown sugar, melted butter, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper until smooth. Pour the glaze evenly over the beans.
Bake and finish
  1. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Stir the beans once during baking so the sticky glaze coats everything.
  2. Continue baking until the glaze is sticky and caramelized, about 5 to 10 minutes more. Rest briefly before serving so the glaze sets and clings.

Notes

For the crispiest bacon and the stickiest coating, drain the bacon well and don’t skip blanching—this keeps the green beans crisp-tender. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in a 350F oven or microwave until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended because the green beans can soften. If you want a lower-sodium option, use reduced-sodium soy sauce and keep the rest the same.