Ingredients
- Fresh Green Beans: About 1 pound, trimmed and washed. Look for vibrant, firm beans without any blemishes or soft spots.
- Turkey Bacon: 12 slices, preferably thin-cut for easier wrapping. You can choose regular or thick-cut bacon based on your preference, but keep in mind that thicker cuts may require additional cooking time.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted. Unsalted butter is recommended to allow you to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, packed. This adds a hint of sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the bacon and green beans.
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. Fresh minced garlic can also be used for a more robust flavor.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Adjust based on your preference, especially if your bacon is particularly salty.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon. Freshly cracked black pepper offers the best flavor.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for drizzling. This adds a nice richness and helps the bundles crisp up.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped. This adds color and a fresh herbal note, enhancing the dish’s presentation.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Green Beans: Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. This blanching process helps preserve the vibrant color and crispness of the beans. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and pat dry with paper towels.
- Prepare the Bacon: Partially cook the bacon slices in a pan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes. The bacon should be starting to brown but still pliable, which makes wrapping around the green beans easier. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Bundles: Gather about 6-8 green beans and wrap them with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with a toothpick if necessary. This not only keeps the bacon in place but also creates a visually appealing presentation. Place the bundles seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This sauce will add depth and flavor to the bundles, enhancing the overall dish.
- Coat the Bundles: Drizzle the sauce generously over each bundle, ensuring they are well-coated. You can use a brush to ensure even coverage, allowing the flavors to penetrate the bacon and beans.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the green beans are tender. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This final touch not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 normal portion
- Calories: 150kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg