Sweet Balsamic Bacon Beans

Sweet Balsamic Bacon Beans are the ultimate side dish when you want flavor, elegance, and simplicity all in one. Fresh green beans are wrapped in smoky thick-cut bacon, then brushed with a luscious balsamic-brown sugar glaze before roasting to golden perfection. The result is a side dish that’s as irresistible as it is beautiful on the plate.

This recipe is especially perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or even weeknight meals when you want to impress without fuss. The balance of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors makes every bite satisfying and memorable. Moreover, because the beans are blanched first, they stay bright green and crisp-tender while the bacon gets perfectly crispy in the oven.

Interestingly, bacon-wrapped vegetables became popular in the mid-20th century in America as a way to elevate simple produce for special occasions. Today, this classic combination still holds its charm, offering rustic comfort with a modern twist. Sweet Balsamic Bacon Beans prove that even a humble green bean can shine.

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Recipe Yield: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
8 slices thick-cut bacon
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prepare:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

2. Make the glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Wrap the bundles:
Divide beans into 8 equal portions. Wrap each bundle with 1 slice of bacon and place seam-side down on the prepared sheet. Brush generously with the glaze.

4. Roast to perfection:
Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until bacon is crisp and beans are tender. Brush again with any leftover glaze before serving.

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Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Choose Fresh Beans: Always use firm, bright green beans. They roast beautifully and stay crisp-tender.
• Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thin bacon shrinks too much. Thick-cut holds beans together and crisps evenly.
• Don’t Skip the Blanching: Blanching locks in the color and prevents beans from turning rubbery in the oven.