I have to say that when I first heard of this dish, I though it was one of the most unusual combinations of flavors ever. We were visiting my husband’s family for Christmas, and my mother-in-law was preparing the big feast. I started to smell the most amazing aroma coming from the kitchen. I went exploring to find a mixture of brown sugar, butter and garlic warming on top of the stove. This was the start of what I would later learn was something called green bean bundles. They were these elegant little bundles of fresh green beans, wrapped up in bacon and baked in this luxurious sauce that was bubbling away on the stove. We always serve these bundles alongside our stuffed tenderloin for Christmas. They appear super fancy, but come together very easily… making them perfect for a holiday gathering, or anytime you want a slightly unique veggie side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh green beans washed and trimmed
- 6-8 slices turkey bacon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 stick butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
Directions
Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, just until crisp tender. Plunge into ice water to stop cooking, and drain. Cut pieces of turkey bacon in half. Divide beans into portions (bundles) so each bundle can be wrapped in a piece of bacon. Arrange the bundles, seam side down in baking dish. Combine brown sugar, melted butter and garlic in sauce pan until combined and warmed just through. Drizzle the mixture over the beans and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes to cook bacon.