Des

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Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

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Green Bean Bundles

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Turn green beans into a showstopper by making these Green Bean Bundles. Tossed in garlic and herbs then wrapped in bacon, these are side dish perfection.

When it comes to holiday meals and special occasion dinners, side dishes don’t always have to be an afterthought. In fact, they can be stars too. Just as gorgeous and just as delicious.

Green bean bundles on white plate.

Take green beans for instance. Most of us know that green beans and bacon are always a winning combination. After all, my recipe for Southern Style Green Beans with Bacon is one of the top recipes on my blog. Those beans while tender and delicious do take more than an hour to cook. If you’re short on time and need something a bit quicker that still has that classic bean and bacon combo, you’ve got to try these Green Bean Bundles.

Let’s talk about the ingredients that you’ll need.

Ingredients you’ll need:

I have seen some green bean bundle recipes that call for brown sugar or maple to yield a sweeter taste. These green bean bundles are all savory and all kinds of delicious. Here is what you’ll need to make them:

  • GREEN BEANS: Fresh green beans are a must for this recipe. It will not work with canned or frozen green beans.
  • OLIVE OIL: To toss the beans in.
  • SALT & PEPPER
  • DRIED THYME: Thyme has a peppery flavor that is perfect with green beans.
  • BACON: Use a regular cut of bacon instead of a thick cut. Thick cut bacon won’t crisp up in the time it takes to cook the beans. You’ll need 4 slices of bacon cut in half.

Step by Step Photos and Instructions:

Follow along with these step by step photos and instructions to see just how easy these Green Bean Bundles are to make.

  • STEP #1: Blanch the green beans by cooking them in boiling water for 3 – 4 minutes or until bright green. Transfer to ice bath to stop the cooking process.
  • STEP #2: After beans have cooled pat them dry and place them in bowl. Toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and thyme.
  • STEP #3: Divide the green beans into 8 bundles (6 – 8 beans a bundle) and wrap with bacon slices.
  • STEP #4: Place bundles on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet with the side with the ends of the bacon face down. Bake at 375 for 20 – 25 minutes or until beans are done and bacon is browned. Sprinkle with more cracked pepper and serve.

Storage and Leftovers:

These are best eaten the day they are cooked. But leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days and reheated at 325 until warmed through.

Recipe FAQ:

What does blanching do to vegetables?

For this recipe, you’ll blanch the beans. Blanching vegetables means cooking them in boiling water and then dunking them in ice water. These softens the vegetables and stops enzyme actions so that they will keep their color and flavor during the cooking process.

Can you make green bean bundles in advance?

Yes and no. You can blanch, season and wrap the bundles in advance. Keep them in the refrigerator until ready to use I wouldn’t do it more than a day in advance.

Do you need to trim green beans?

The only part of the bean that really needs to be removed before eating is the tip of the stem end where it was attached to the plant. You can remove the tail end, if you like but I liked the look for this recipe.

Looking for more show stopping holiday side dishes? Check out these recipes:

Brussels Sprouts Gratin will turn every Brussles sprouts hater into a lover!

Spinach Cranberry Salad is a gorgeous addition to any holiday table.

Apples, Sausage and Brie Cheese are added to this Apple Sausage Stuffing for a delectable twist on the holiday classic.

Other Bacon Wrapped goodies:

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños are perfect for game day!

Classic Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is the best thing to make during asparagus season!

Slow Cooker Beer Brats wrapped in bacon is another game day favorite!

Green bean bundles on white plate.

Green Bean Bundles

Turn green beans into a showstopper by making these Green Bean Bundles. Tossed in garlic and herbs then wrapped in bacon, these are side dish perfection.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 95 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds green beans trimmed
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 slices bacon cut in half

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add beans and cook for 3 – 4 minutes or until bright green. Use a strainer to transfer to a bowl of ice water. Allow to cool.
  • Once beans have cooled, pat dry. Place in bowl and add olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and thyme. Toss to coat.
  • Divide green beans into 8 bundles (6 – 8 beans per bundle). Wrap with bacon. Place bundles on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until beans are tender and bacon is crisp. Sprinkle with more black pepper and serve.

Notes

Recipe can easily be doubled. 
I didn’t need to use toothpicks to secure the bacon but you can if you like. I simply made sure the open ends of the bacon were on the bottom of the bundles when I put them on the baking sheet.  
Nutrition facts for estimation purposes only. 

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 157mgPotassium: 366mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1179IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: Christmas, green beans, thanksgiving, vegetable

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Des

Hey! I'm Des!

Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

Read more »

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