Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

My apologies for the delay in getting another holiday recipe to you guys… I’ve been struck down by a sinus infection that will. not. quit. and it’s basically taking all my energy just to breathe! I promise to get a couple more recipes to you before the week is out.

This recipe is definitely going to become a holiday staple for me. Not only is it simple and delicious, but it also looks fancy and pretty! And also: BACON.

Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
adapted from here
serves 8(ish)

1lb green beans, trimmed
6 slices of bacon
2 T brown sugar
1/2 t garlic powder
3 T butter, melted
pinch of kosher salt

1.) Start by blanching your green beans (quick reminder: drop beans into salted, boiling water for 2 minutes, remove to an ice bath, remove from ice bath and pat dry after a minute or two).

2.) Preheat your oven to 350°. Partially cook your bacon; you can either do this on the stovetop or in the microwave. You want the bacon to be browning at the edges, but still pliable and underdone. As an example, I would normally cook my bacon in the microwave for 1 minute per slice; so, I put six slices on a plate, covered it with a paper towel, and cooked it for 3 minutes (1/2 the regular time), and it was perfect.

3.) Divide your green beans into 12 equal piles, and slice each piece of bacon in half. Wrap each bundle of beans in a half slice of bacon, and place the bundles, seam-side down, on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet.

4.) Once all the bundles are ready, add the garlic powder and salt to the melted butter. Brush the top of each bundle with this mixture.

5.) Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over each bundle, and roast in the oven for about 15 minutes. If necessary, turn on the broiler right at the end for a minute or so, to finish crisping up the bacon.

Serve, and enjoy!

Don’t you agree that these are kind of the perfect holiday dish? They look impressive and complicated, they’re buttery and smokey and sweet and salty (BACON!), and they also include fresh, crisp, delicious vegetables. I’m pretty sure the green beans negate the fat and calories of the bacon and butter, actually.

Don’t forget to enter Crist’s giveaway!
Tina