Description
These Cheesy Bacon Green Bean Bundles are a delicious and easy appetizer or side dish featuring fresh green beans wrapped in crispy bacon with a creamy cheese filling and a smoky-sweet glaze. Perfect for entertaining or a flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Green Beans
- 10 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
Cheese Filling
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Bacon Bundles
- 6 slices thin-cut bacon
Glaze
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Blanch Green Beans: Boil a pot of salted water and blanch the trimmed green beans for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn vibrant green and become slightly tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain and pat dry thoroughly.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, chopped chives (if using), and black pepper. Blend everything together until smooth and well mixed.
- Portion Ingredients: Divide the green beans into 6 equal portions. Lay out each slice of bacon and spread a layer of the cheese mixture evenly on top of each slice.
- Form Bundles: Place each portion of green beans at one end of the bacon slice with cheese, then roll the bacon tightly around the beans to form bundles. Arrange the bundles seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to help keep them closed during baking.
- Apply Glaze: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, brown sugar, and smoked paprika to create a flavorful glaze. Brush this glaze generously over each bacon bundle with a pastry brush to add sweetness and a smoky touch.
- Bake Bundles: Bake the bundles in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the cheese is bubbling. For extra crispiness, you can broil the bundles for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the bundles from the oven and let them rest on the baking tray for 3 to 5 minutes to set before serving warm and enjoying.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the green beans dry after blanching to help the bacon stick better and crisp nicely.
- The chives are optional but add a nice fresh flavor to the cheese filling.
- You can adjust the brown sugar in the glaze to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet finish.
- For thicker bacon slices, baking time may need to be increased slightly.
- These bundles can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
