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Quick Bacon Wrapped Green Beans: Easy 15-Minute Appetizer

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These quick bacon wrapped green beans with brown sugar glaze are ready in just 15 minutes with only 5 ingredients. Perfect for weeknight sides, game day, or holiday appetizers, they deliver a sweet and savory caramelized coating that makes them an instant crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon (about 10–12 ounces or 280–340 grams)
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the green beans: Rinse green beans under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Trim off the stem ends. Group them into 12 bundles of about 8-10 beans each, each bundle about the width of your thumb.
  2. Wrap the bundles: Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around the center of a green bean bundle, stretching the bacon slightly as you go. The ends should overlap just a little. Place each bundle seam-side down on a plate. Repeat with all 12 bundles.
  3. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, softened butter, kosher salt, and black pepper if using. Mash together with a fork until it forms a thick, grainy paste. Set aside near the stove.
  4. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet (12-inch or 30 cm) over medium-high heat and let it get hot until a drop of water sizzles and evaporates instantly. No oil needed.
  5. Sear the bundles: Place the bacon-wrapped bundles in the hot skillet, seam-side down. Do not crowd them; work in batches if needed. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the bacon is golden brown and crispy on that first side. Using tongs, carefully flip each bundle. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until crispy on both sides and the green beans are bright green and tender-crisp.
  6. Glaze and finish: Reduce the heat to low. Spoon the brown sugar paste over each bundle, dividing it evenly. It will melt immediately into a glossy glaze. Flip the bundles once more to coat both sides, letting the sugar caramelize for about 30 seconds per side. Do not let it burn.
  7. Serve immediately: Transfer the glazed bundles to a serving platter. Serve right away while the bacon is still crispy and the beans have that perfect snap.

Notes

Dry the green beans thoroughly to ensure crispy bacon. Do not wrap the bacon too tightly; it needs room to shrink and crisp. Watch the heat carefully when adding the glaze to prevent burning. Serve immediately for best texture. For a spicier version, add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the glaze. For a maple version, substitute 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup for the brown sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped green beans, quick appetizer, brown sugar glaze, 15 minute recipe, easy side dish, holiday appetizer, game day snack

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/quick-bacon-wrapped-green-beans-easy-15-minute-appetizer/