Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are my go-to side dish when I want something elegant but completely fuss-free for holidays or dinner parties. Sweet and savory with a touch of crispy bacon on each tender green bean bundle, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser and only takes three basic ingredients.

I remember the first time I brought these to my in-laws for Thanksgiving — now they ask me to make them every year and the platter is empty within minutes.

Ingredients

• Fresh green beans: look for firm bright green beans with a snap for the best bite
• Bacon: thin sliced bacon wraps best and bakes up crispy without overwhelming the beans
• Honey French salad dressing: select a brand with a little tang and good sweetness for great caramelization
• Freshly ground black pepper: this lifts all the flavors and balances the sweetness in the dressing

The key to gorgeous bundles is using very fresh green beans and thin sliced bacon which cooks through and crisps up but stays tender around the beans.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Bacon:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Arrange bacon slices on a rimmed baking sheet so they do not overlap. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes to partially cook them. This step ensures the bacon gets crispy not chewy when wrapped later. Remove bacon from the oven and lay slices on paper towels to drain.

Blanch and Chill the Beans:

Rinse your green beans and trim off the stem ends. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil then add in the beans. Blanch them for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn a really vibrant green and are just tender. Immediately drain and rinse them with cold water to stop them cooking and keep that nice color.

Bundle and Wrap:

Divide your green beans into bundles using about five to seven beans per group. Cut each bacon slice in half so you now have shorter strips. Take one half slice and wrap it snugly around each bundle of green beans. If needed gently secure with a toothpick. Arrange the wrapped bundles in a glass baking dish with the bacon ends tucked underneath.

Add Dressing and Season:

Drizzle each bundle with honey French salad dressing making sure the bacon is coated. Sprinkle everything with a bit of freshly ground black pepper for a pop of flavor.

Bake Until Crisp:

Bake in your preheated oven at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes. Turn each bundle halfway through so that all sides get crispy and golden. The bacon will be crackly while the beans stay bright and tender. Transfer the bundles to a platter and serve right away for maximum flavor and crunch.

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Bacon makes everything irresistible but the real star here is the honey French dressing which transforms the bacon into something special. My favorite part is always peeling off the crispy bacon while the beans are still piping hot — it’s the little things that make holiday meals memorable in our house.

Storage Tips

Store leftover bundles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees to revive the bacon’s crispness never the microwave or you’ll lose that texture. You can prep the bundles the day before up to the baking step so your holiday schedule is even easier.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try turkey bacon for a lighter version but keep in mind it may not get quite as crisp. If you cannot find honey French dressing a blend of regular French dressing mixed with a little honey and a squeeze of lemon gets close. You can swap in asparagus spears for green beans if they are in season.

Serving Suggestions

These bundles make an eye catching addition to a Thanksgiving turkey spread or beside a glazed ham. For a weeknight dinner serve with mashed potatoes or a wild rice pilaf. I love to garnish the platter with extra black pepper or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for contrast.

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A Brief History of Green Bean Bundles

Bacon wrapped veggies have been a Southern potluck staple for generations but the addition of sweet French dressing seems to have first gained popularity in American cookbooks in the 1960s. The flavors evoke comfort and nostalgia and each family puts their own unique spin on the seasoning or dressing.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and pat dry frozen green beans before blanching to ensure they don't become mushy when baked.

→ What's the best way to keep bacon crispy?

Par-cook bacon before wrapping and bake bundles on a rack to allow fat to drain. This helps bacon crisp up nicely.

→ Is there a substitute for honey French salad dressing?

Try combining honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of vinegar for a similar sweet-tangy glaze.

→ How do I prevent the bundles from falling apart?

Secure each bundle with a toothpick or small skewer before baking to keep bacon and beans together.

→ Can these be prepared ahead of time?

Assemble the bundles in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve for best texture and flavor.