Few side dishes are as elegant yet simple as Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles. Crisp-tender green beans, wrapped in smoky, savory bacon, roasted until golden — this dish transforms humble vegetables into a festive centerpiece.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinners, these bundles balance salty, smoky, and fresh flavors. They’re visually stunning, making them as much a decoration as a dish, yet they require minimal prep and only a handful of ingredients.

Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even part of a party platter, guests will love their beautiful presentation and crave-worthy taste.

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans (trimmed)
8 slices bacon (regular cut, not thick)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Blanch Green Beans
Bring pot of water to boil. Add green beans, cook for 3 minutes until bright green. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water. Pat dry.
Season Beans
Toss green beans in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Wrap with Bacon
Divide beans into small bundles (6–8 beans each). Wrap one slice of bacon around the center of each bundle. Place seam side down on baking sheet.
Roast Bundles
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bacon is crispy and beans tender.
Serve Hot
Transfer to serving platter, sprinkle lightly with sea salt, and serve warm.

Expert Tips

Par-cook bacon for 5 minutes before wrapping if you prefer crisper bacon.
Use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking for gourmet flavor.
These bundles can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 6 hours before baking.

Storytelling Section: A Side Dish with Holiday Charm

Imagine the holiday table — roast turkey in the center, mashed potatoes piled high, stuffing spilling over. And nestled among these classics are rows of perfectly wrapped Bacon Green Bean Bundles, each like a little edible present. Guests can pick them up individually, making the dish interactive as well as delicious.

This recipe’s beauty lies in its versatility. It fits equally well at a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas dinner, or a casual summer BBQ. Simple ingredients, maximum flavor, stunning presentation — that’s holiday cooking at its best.

Pairing Ideas

With Proteins: Roasted turkey, prime rib, or glazed ham.
With Sides: Garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, mac & cheese.
As Appetizer: Pair with sparkling wine or bourbon cocktails.