The Best Crack Green Beans Recipe for Thanksgiving

Imagine the first bite of perfectly cooked green beans, tender yet crisp, exploding with a symphony of flavors that leave you wanting more. The best crack green beans recipe for Thanksgiving is a game-changer, promising to delight your taste buds and leave a lasting impression on your family and friends. As the dish simmers on the stovetop, the intoxicating aroma of crackled green beans wafts through the air, teasing the senses and heightening anticipation.

What sets this recipe apart is its ability to pair seamlessly with a variety of dishes, making it the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. For example, try pairing it with our Ultimate Ultimate Easy Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe for a delightful brunch twist. With its versatility and undeniable flavor, it’s no wonder this crack green beans recipe has become a staple in many households.

Why This Recipe Works

• The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and sugar creates a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze that elevates the natural flavor of the green beans, creating an addictive taste experience.
• This recipe is remarkably efficient, requiring only a few minutes of prep time and utilizing a hands-off cooking method that allows for multitasking.
• The incorporation of bacon and red pepper flakes adds a satisfying crunch and subtle kick of heat, creating a delightful harmony of textures and flavors.

Key Ingredients

Selecting the freshest ingredients is crucial to the success of this recipe. Fresh green beans possess a natural sweetness and tender crunch that cannot be replicated with frozen or canned alternatives. For more expert advice on selecting the perfect green beans, visit Epicurious for their comprehensive guide to preparing the perfect Thanksgiving feast.

When choosing bacon, opt for a thick-cut, smoked variety to ensure maximum flavor. Thin slices can become burnt or overcooked during the cooking process, compromising the overall quality of the dish.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

The Best Crack Green Beans Recipe for Thanksgiving

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

6 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.

2

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.

3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

4

Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet, stirring to combine.

5

Add the green beans to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until tender and caramelized.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover crack green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a small amount of water if necessary, until warmed through.