Green bean bacon bundles are a classic side dish, perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or a simple weeknight dinner. This recipe, reminiscent of the hearty and wholesome cooking style of the Pioneer Woman, combines the crispness of green beans with the smoky flavor of bacon, creating an irresistible appetizer or side. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, these bundles are a testament to the simple joys of good food, made with fresh ingredients and a touch of home-style goodness.
Close-up of crispy bacon green bean bundles, a Pioneer Woman inspired recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Green Bean Bundles Recipe
This bacon green bean bundles recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s an experience. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavor payoff. Imagine biting into perfectly crisp-tender green beans, embraced by smoky, savory bacon, and enhanced with a hint of garlic and brown sugar. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will elevate any meal.
Here’s why this recipe will become a family favorite:
- Effortless Elegance: Despite their gourmet taste, these bundles are surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that looks and tastes impressive.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of salty bacon, sweet brown sugar, and savory garlic creates a balanced and addictive flavor profile that appeals to everyone.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, these bundles complement a wide range of main courses, from grilled chicken and steak to roasted fish and vegetarian options.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the bundles ahead of time and bake them just before serving, making them ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Bacon and green beans are a classic pairing that is universally loved. Even picky eaters will find it hard to resist these flavorful bundles.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Style Green Bean Bundles
To create these delectable bacon green bean bundles, you’ll need just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Embrace the Pioneer Woman’s philosophy of using simple, wholesome components to create something extraordinary.
- Fresh Green Beans: 1 pound, trimmed and washed. Choose firm, bright green beans for the best texture.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: 10-12 slices. Opt for thick-cut bacon as it holds its shape and provides a satisfyingly chewy texture after baking.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, unsalted. Butter adds richness and helps the brown sugar and garlic mixture coat the green beans beautifully.
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon, light or dark brown sugar works. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that caramelizes during baking, enhancing the savory flavors.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic infuses the bundles with a pungent and aromatic note.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key to bringing out the natural flavors of the green beans and bacon.
Bacon wrapped green bean bundles before baking, showcasing ingredients for a Pioneer-style side dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bacon Green Bean Bundles
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create perfect bacon green bean bundles every time. Channel your inner Pioneer Woman and enjoy the process of creating something delicious from scratch.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the bundles from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Green Beans: Wash and thoroughly dry the green beans. Drying them is crucial for ensuring they roast properly and don’t become soggy. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
- Bundle the Beans: Take a small bunch of green beans (about 5-8, depending on their size) and bundle them together. Wrap a slice of bacon around the center of the bundle, ensuring the ends overlap slightly underneath. Place the bundle seam-side down in the prepared baking dish to help it stay together. Repeat with the remaining green beans and bacon.
- Make the Butter Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the brown sugar and minced garlic to the melted butter. Whisk until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined and fragrant.
- Glaze the Bundles: Using a pastry brush, generously brush the butter-brown sugar-garlic mixture over the top of each bacon green bean bundle. Ensure each bundle is nicely coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 minutes. Removing the foil, bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked to your liking and the green beans are tender-crisp.
- Serve: Once baked, let the bundles cool slightly before serving. They are best served warm and can be enjoyed immediately as an appetizer or side dish.
Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Bacon Green Bean Bundles
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure the bundles are arranged in a single layer in the baking dish. Overcrowding can steam the green beans instead of roasting them, resulting in less crispy bundles.
- Adjust Baking Time: Baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the bacon. Keep an eye on the bundles during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent the bacon from burning.
- Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, or a dash of smoked paprika for extra smokiness.
- Serving Suggestions: These bacon green bean bundles are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a balsamic glaze. They are a perfect accompaniment to roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pork tenderloin.
Serving suggestion of bacon green bean bundles, a simple yet elegant Pioneer Woman side dish.
Enjoy Your Bacon Green Bean Bundles!
These bacon green bean bundles are a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with care and a touch of culinary know-how, can create truly exceptional dishes. Embrace the spirit of the Pioneer Woman and bring this delightful and easy recipe to your table. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy family meal, these bundles are sure to be a hit.
