Green Bean Bundles

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Green Bean Bundles

These Green Bean Bundles are a delightful and elegant side dish perfect for any occasion. Wrapped in flavorful Turkey Bacon, they bring a unique twist to your table. Ideal for gatherings, holiday meals, or simple family dinners, these bundles are not just visually appealing but also packed with flavor. Their combination of tender green beans and savory turkey bacon makes them a standout choice that everyone will love.

Green Bean Bundles
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
  • Flavorful Twist: The Turkey Bacon adds a savory depth that elevates the simple green bean to a gourmet level.
  • Versatile Side Dish: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a summer barbecue, these bundles fit seamlessly into any meal.
  • Healthier Option: Using Turkey Bacon gives you the rich flavor without the added fat from traditional turkey bacon.
  • Impressive Presentation: The wrapped bundles look stunning on any plate, impressing your guests with minimal effort.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Green Bean Bundles, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Pot for boiling
  • Mixing bowl
  • Toothpicks
  • Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

  • Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking and crispiness for the Turkey Bacon.
  • Pot for boiling: Allows you to blanch the green beans quickly, preserving their color and crunch.
  • Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly before coating the green beans.
  • Toothpicks: Help secure the bundles tightly, ensuring they hold together during baking.
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Ingredients

These Turkey Bacon wrapped green bean bundles are the perfect elegant side dish for any meal!

For the Green Beans

  • 1 1/4 lbs green beans (look for thinner green beans or use French green beans (haricot vert))
  • 6 slices Turkey Bacon (cut in half; do not use thick cut Turkey Bacon)

For the Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt)
  • 1/4 cup butter (melted)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
  • Cooking spray

How to Make Green Bean Bundles

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the Turkey Bacon on a sheet pan and bake for 7 minutes. Remove the Turkey Bacon from the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Green Beans

Trim the ends of the green beans. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 3: Blanch the Green Beans

Place the green beans in the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and put the green beans in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Step 4: Season the Green Beans

Pat the green beans dry. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic salt, melted butter, brown sugar, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the green beans and toss to coat evenly.

Step 5: Assemble Bundles

Wrap 8-10 green beans with a piece of Turkey Bacon and secure them with a toothpick. Place each bundle on a sheet pan coated with cooking spray.

Step 6: Bake Until Crispy

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until Turkey Bacon is crispy. Sprinkle with parsley before serving and enjoy!

How to Serve Green Bean Bundles

Green bean bundles make a delightful side dish that can enhance any meal. Their elegant presentation and savory flavors pair well with various main courses, making them versatile for any occasion.

With Grilled Chicken

  • Tender grilled chicken complements the savory flavors of the green bean bundles perfectly. The smokiness from the grill enhances the overall taste.

Alongside Roasted Vegetables

  • A mix of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrition to your plate. The natural sweetness of roasted carrots and bell peppers pairs beautifully with the saltiness of the turkey bacon.

As Part of a Holiday Feast

  • These bundles are an excellent addition to holiday meals, providing an appealing contrast to richer dishes like turkey and stuffing. They add a fresh element to your holiday spread.

With Quinoa Salad

  • A refreshing quinoa salad serves as a light, healthy option alongside green bean bundles. The nuttiness of quinoa balances the savory richness of the bundles.

How to Perfect Green Bean Bundles

To ensure your green bean bundles are consistently delicious, consider these helpful tips.

  • Choose Thin Green Beans: Opt for thinner green beans or haricot vert for a more tender bite. This will help them cook evenly and maintain their crispness.
  • Pre-cook Turkey Bacon: Baking the turkey bacon slightly before wrapping helps achieve maximum crispiness when baked with the green beans.
  • Don’t Overcook Beans: Blanching the green beans for just a few minutes keeps them vibrant and crunchy. Ice water halts cooking, ensuring they don’t become mushy.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh herbs, high-quality butter, and good-quality turkey bacon elevate your dish’s flavor profile significantly.

Best Side Dishes for Green Bean Bundles

Pairing your green bean bundles with complementary sides can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:

  1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and balance against the crispy texture of green beans.
  2. Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with fresh herbs add a rustic touch, pairing well with the savory bundles.
  3. Cauliflower Rice: A light alternative that absorbs flavors well; it works perfectly alongside rich dishes without being overpowering.
  4. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: The earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts adds depth while their crunch contrasts nicely with soft textures on your plate.
  5. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad offers freshness and pairs beautifully without overshadowing other flavors.
  6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory notes in your meal while also providing color to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Green Bean Bundles, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish’s flavor and presentation.

  • Boldly choosing the wrong beans: Opt for thinner green beans or French green beans (haricot vert) to ensure they cook evenly and maintain a tender-crisp texture.
  • Overcooking the green beans: Cooking them too long can lead to mushy bundles. Blanch them for only 2-3 minutes before shocking them in ice water.
  • Using thick-cut Turkey Bacon: Thick cuts won’t wrap easily around the beans. Always use standard sliced Turkey Bacon for better wrapping and crispness.
  • Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season your butter mixture can lead to bland bundles. Make sure to include garlic salt, pepper, and brown sugar for a balanced flavor.
  • Skipping the cooling step: Failing to cool the blanched green beans in ice water can result in overcooking. Always chill them immediately after boiling.
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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Allow the bundles to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Green Bean Bundles

  • Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
  • Can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating Green Bean Bundles

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until warm.
  • Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about making Green Bean Bundles.

What are Green Bean Bundles?

Green Bean Bundles are a delicious side dish featuring fresh green beans wrapped in Turkey Bacon and baked until crispy. They offer a savory flavor profile that’s perfect for any meal.

Can I use other types of meat instead of Turkey Bacon?

Yes! You can substitute Turkey Bacon with other meats like chicken or beef turkey bacon if preferred, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

How do I make Green Bean Bundles vegetarian?

To create vegetarian bundles, skip the meat entirely and consider using marinated tofu or tempeh as an alternative wrap around the green beans.

What can I serve with Green Bean Bundles?

These bundles pair well with grilled chicken, steak, or as part of a festive holiday spread, adding color and flavor to your plate.

Final Thoughts

Green Bean Bundles are not just elegant but also versatile. They make an excellent side dish for various meals and occasions. Feel free to customize these bundles with additional spices or different types of vegetables wrapped alongside the green beans for added flavor and nutrition.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Green Bean Bundles

Green Bean Bundles


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 bundles 1x

Description

Elevate your dining experience with these delightful Green Bean Bundles wrapped in Turkey Bacon. This elegant side dish combines tender green beans with savory turkey bacon, creating a visually stunning and flavorful addition to any meal. Perfect for gatherings, holiday feasts, or simple family dinners, these bundles are easy to prepare and will impress your guests without requiring extensive effort. Enjoy the perfect balance of textures and flavors with every bite!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 lbs green beans
  • 6 slices Turkey Bacon (cut in half)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place Turkey Bacon on a baking sheet and bake for 7 minutes; remove from the oven.
  2. Trim the ends of the green beans and bring salted water to a boil.
  3. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until just tender, then plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
  4. Pat green beans dry and mix garlic salt, melted butter, brown sugar, and pepper in a bowl. Toss mixture with green beans until evenly coated.
  5. Wrap groups of 8-10 green beans in Turkey Bacon and secure with toothpicks. Arrange on a greased baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until turkey bacon is crispy.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bundle (approximately 50g)
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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