Carla'S Green Beans
Savory green beans wrapped in bacon with a sweet and smoky flavor, perfect as a hearty side dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the drained green beans with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and basil to taste.
- Wrap 10 to 12 seasoned beans with a strip of bacon, stretching the bacon long.
- Place the wrapped beans in a baking dish.
- Cover generously with brown sugar.
- Sprinkle Worcestershire sauce over the top, using a good amount but avoiding making the sugar watery.
- Bake at 350°F for approximately 20 minutes until the bacon is done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a delightful twist, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking. If you want to reduce the sodium, opt for low-sodium bacon or use turkey bacon. For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add nuts for crunch. Adjust seasonings based on your taste preferences, and feel free to mix in other herbs like thyme or oregano for additional flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These wrapped green beans make an excellent side for holiday meals or barbecues, pairing beautifully with main dishes like roasted chicken or beef. Consider serving alongside mashed potatoes or cornbread for a comforting spread. They also complement other American recipes well, enhancing any festive table.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carla'S Green Beans contains roughly 83 calories, with 5g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 705mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh green beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh green beans can be used for this recipe. Simply blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then proceed with the seasoning and wrapping steps as directed. Fresh beans will add a vibrant texture and flavor to the dish.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the bacon-wrapped green beans a day in advance. Assemble them in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a homemade mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and a dash of sugar. While the flavor may differ slightly, it will still provide the necessary umami kick to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).