Green Beans Wrapped in Bacon

Holiday Green Bean Bundles

I've been sharing all kinds of side dishes on my site since 2012, and the green beans consistently trend every Fall and Winter-especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you've made my lemon garlic parmesan green beans or the green beans with pine nuts, you know I'm obsessed with bright, restaurant-quality sides that are still weeknight-easy. I already have a beloved garlic, bacon, and green beans recipe that's a fan favorite, but I'd never posted green bean bundles-and these bacon wrapped green bean bundles are just so cute, tidy, and undeniably crowd-pleasing. They slot right into my Thanksgiving menu alongside turkey, roast duck, garlic mashed potatoes, and sausage stuffed butternut squash, and they photograph beautifully for entertaining. And if you're looking for more stunning Thanksgiving roasted veggies sides, be sure to try my Roasted Green Beans and Butternut Squash with Bacon and Pumpkin Seeds.

You'll Need These Ingredients

• Fresh French green beans (16 oz): I use thin haricots verts for quick blanching and a tidy bundle. You can sub with standard green beans (and increase blanch by 1-2 minutes). I do not recommended frozen green beans for bundles (they will be too wet).
• Bacon (7 slices, halved): I used regular thin bacon - it's best for wrapping; thick-cut bacon takes longer and won't crisp well. You can sub with turkey bacon (brush with extra butter/olive oil as it won't caramelized quite the same otherwise), or prosciutto (skip pre-browning; it crisps fast). Want spicy? Use peppered bacon.
• Unsalted butter (4 Tbsp, melted): Adds rich flavor and helps the brown sugar caramelize. You could use olive oil ghee or vegan butter for a dairy-free swap.
• Brown sugar (3 Tbsp): The key to the caramelization + it adds that classic "candied bacon" vibe. You can substitute with maple syrup or honey (reduce to 2 tablespoon and glaze lightly), or coconut sugar.
• Pepper, Salt, Garlic Powder: Season to taste. For a smoky kick, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish and fresh color. You can skip or swap for chives or thyme.

How to Make Green Bean Bacon Bundles (Step-by-Step Photos)

• Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
• Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, shock in ice water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and pat very dry.

• Cook bacon: Halve the bacon and cook in a skillet over medium heat just until it starts to brown (don't crisp).

• Make a glaze: Stir together melted butter, brown sugar, pepper, salt, and garlic powder until smooth.

• Make green bean bundles: Bundle 7-8 beans, wrap with a bacon half, and secure with a toothpick. Repeat with the rest of the beans.

• Assembly: Place green bean bundles on the baking sheet.
• Brush the glaze over the bundles.

• Roast the green beans wrapped in bacon for 18-20 minutes until the bacon is crisp and beans are tender-crisp.
• Rest 5 minutes, remove toothpicks, and garnish with parsley if you like.

Storage, Reheating, Freezing, Make-Ahead

• Storage: Cool green bean bundles completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3-4 days. Keep glaze drippings (refrigerate); they re-melt and re-gloss when reheated.
• Reheating (best): To reheat, simply place on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet pan until heated through; brush with any saved glaze or a touch of butter to revive shine. This keeps the bacon nice and crisp. Air fryer 320-330°F for 4-6 minutes also works.
• Freezing: Freeze before baking: assemble green bean bundles (with toothpicks), lay them on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a bag/container up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 400°F, 12-15 minutes until hot and sizzling.
• Make-Ahead: I recommend pre-assemble these bundles the night before (up to 24 hours) and keep them covered in the fridge, then glaze and roast them right before my guests arrive.

More Green Bean Recipes

• Green Beans with Butternut Squash, Pecans, and Cranberries 
• Green Beans with Bacon and Parmesan Cheese
• Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta with Green Beans and Bacon
• Green Bean Salad with Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries, and Feta
• Minestrone Soup
• Pasta Salad with Green Beans, Butternut Squash, Pecans, and Cranberries

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I assemble bacon wrapped green bean bundles the day before? Yes. I blanch, dry, pre-brown bacon, assemble, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Brush with glaze right before roasting for best shine and texture.
• Do I have to pre-cook the bacon? I recommend it. Partial rendering prevents rubbery fat and lets the bacon crisp as the beans finish-especially important for even browning.
• How many beans per bundle? I aim for 7-8 thin beans per bundle for even cooking and a tidy look. Thicker beans? Use 5-6.
• Why are my bundles soggy? Usually overcrowding or wet beans. Dry them thoroughly, line the pan with parchment, and leave space; use convection if you have it.
• Can I make these without sugar? Yes-skip the brown sugar and add a ½ teaspoon Dijon + smoked paprika for savory depth, or use a sugar substitute that caramelizes (allulose works well).