Green Bean Bundles are a simple, tasty way to add a little fun to your veggies. Fresh green beans tied up in a neat little bundle, usually wrapped in crispy bacon or sprinkled with some cheese and seasonings. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and make eating greens feel more like a treat than a chore.
I love making these because they’re easy to prepare but look fancy enough for guests or holiday dinners. Sometimes, I sneak in a sprinkle of garlic powder or a dash of brown sugar for a hint of sweetness and spice. Tying the beans in little bundles keeps them cooking evenly and makes serving so much easier. Plus, it’s kind of fun to put the bundles together—it’s like a tiny kitchen project!
These bundles are perfect as a side dish with almost any meal. I often serve them alongside grilled chicken or a hearty roast. They add a nice pop of green to the plate and a crispy, salty bite that everyone seems to love. If you’re looking for something straightforward but somehow a little special, give these green bean bundles a try—they never disappoint!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Green Bean Bundles
Green Beans: Fresh green beans give the best crunch and color here. If you can’t find fresh, frozen works too—just thaw and pat dry first to avoid sogginess.
Bacon: Bacon adds savory crispiness and helps hold the bundles. Turkey bacon is a lower-fat option but can be less crispy. For a vegetarian twist, try thin strips of smoked tempeh or vegan bacon.
Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a lovely aroma and helps tie the bundles. If you don’t have fresh, try thyme or oregano for a different but nice herb flavor.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, and pepper are simple staples. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat or smoked paprika for a smoky touch.
How Do You Wrap Green Bean Bundles Perfectly & Keep Them Tied?
Securing your bundles tightly and neatly is key to even cooking and a nice presentation. Here’s what helps:
- Use dry green beans: Moisture makes it harder for bacon to stick and wrap tightly.
- Cut bacon slices in half: Half slices make it easier to wrap bundles snugly without too much overlap.
- Tie with fresh rosemary: Use a sprig to gently tie around the bacon-wrapped bundle. Not only does it hold it together, but the heat releases wonderful herbal aromas.
- Wrap starting at one end: Tuck bacon under the bundle and wrap tightly toward the other end to keep beans bundled firmly.
- Place bundles spaced apart on the baking sheet: This helps the bacon crisp up evenly on all sides.
Following these tips will give you bundles that look great and cook perfectly every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for roasting your bundles evenly and catching drips.
- Parchment paper or foil – makes cleanup fast and keeps your bacon from sticking.
- Kitchen twine or fresh rosemary sprigs – rosemary adds flavor and helps tie bundles without slipping.
- Tongs – for flipping bundles carefully without unwrapping them.
- Sharp knife – to trim green beans and cut bacon slices in half easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for prosciutto for a lighter, slightly salty twist that crisps beautifully.
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
- Mix in sliced almonds or chopped pecans for crunch inside the bundles.
- Use cooked, diced chicken or turkey instead of bacon to make a meatier version.
Green Bean Bundles Wrapped in Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 10 slices of bacon (regular or thick-cut)
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary sprigs (for tying bundles and garnish)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to bake, plus a few minutes to cool before serving. Altogether, expect about 35-40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Green Beans:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Wash and trim your green beans, then pat them dry to help the bacon stick nicely.
2. Wrap the Bundles:
Divide the green beans into 10 bundles, each with about 6-8 beans. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. Wrap each bundle tightly with a half slice of bacon, starting at one end. Tie a sprig of fresh rosemary around the bacon to secure it and add great flavor.
3. Season and Bake:
Place the bundles on your lined baking sheet, keeping them spaced out. Drizzle olive oil over them, then sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any optional spices like red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and green beans are tender. For extra crispiness, broil 2-3 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Take the bundles out and let them cool a bit. Serve warm, garnished with extra rosemary sprigs if you like. These make a delicious, eye-catching side dish for any meal!
Can I Use Frozen Green Beans Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry really well to prevent soggy bundles and help the bacon crisp up.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Fresh Rosemary?
No worries! You can tie the bundles with kitchen twine or use other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a different but tasty aroma.
How Do I Store Leftover Green Bean Bundles?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the bacon crispy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Wrap the bundles and season them, then refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from cold.