Crack Green Beans Recipe – The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Side Dish
If you’re looking for a crave-worthy side dish that will steal the spotlight at your dinner table, this Crack Green Beans recipe is the answer. Combining crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, and savory soy sauce with tender green beans, this irresistible dish is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors.
Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, potluck, or weeknight dinner, these sweet and savory baked green beans are guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe step by step!
Ingredients for Crack Green Beans
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this flavorful side dish:
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Green beans (drained): 5 cans (8 oz each)
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Bacon, chopped, sautéed, and drained: 12 slices
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Brown sugar: ⅔ cup
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Butter, melted: ¼ cup
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Soy sauce: 7 teaspoons
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Garlic powder: 1½ teaspoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add Green Beans and Bacon
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Drain all 5 cans of green beans and place them evenly into the baking dish.
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Sprinkle the cooked, chopped bacon over the green beans, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Mix the Flavor Sauce
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In a small mixing bowl, combine:
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⅔ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup melted butter
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7 teaspoons soy sauce
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1½ teaspoons garlic powder
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Stir until everything is well blended and forms a rich, caramel-like sauce.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce
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Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the green beans and bacon in the baking dish.
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Gently shake or tap the dish to allow the sauce to settle in between the beans.
Step 5: Bake the Crack Green Beans
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Place the dish in the preheated oven.
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Bake for 40 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce bubbles and the edges start to caramelize.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
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After baking, gently toss the beans in the sauce to ensure they are well coated.
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Serve immediately as a side dish, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Tips for Best Results
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Fresh Option: You can substitute canned green beans with fresh or frozen, but blanch or steam them beforehand.
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Add Heat: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a sweet-spicy kick.
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Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Perfect For:
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Thanksgiving & Christmas dinners
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BBQs and potlucks
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Comfort food side dish with meatloaf, grilled chicken, or steak
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 220
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Fat: 12g
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Carbs: 18g
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Protein: 6g
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Sugar: 14g
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Sodium: 480mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Why Are They Called “Crack” Green Beans?
The term “Crack” refers to how addictive this recipe is—once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again. The combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, and bacon creates a flavor profile that is utterly irresistible.
Final Thoughts
Crack Green Beans are a next-level twist on a traditional side dish. They’re simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this green bean bake will become a family favorite in no time!
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enjoy!