Crack Green Beans
Our Crack Green Beans recipe is a delicious twist on a traditional green bean casserole. And it’s incredibly easy to make.
We combine canned green beans, cranberries, and crispy bacon, toss it in a sweet and savory sauce, and finish it with sliced almonds.
Holiday Crack Green Beans Recipe Highlights
- Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it hassle-free to whip up.
- Perfect for a casual family dinner as it is for special occasions such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Adding green beans and almonds adds a nutritional punch.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
GREEN BEANS – Using canned green beans is convenient and quick without compromising taste.
BACON – Adds a smoky, savory crunch, complementing the sweetness of other ingredients. I recommend using thick-cut bacon.
BROWN SUGAR – Offers a mild sweetness that balances the savory components.
BUTTER – Enhances the rich, creamy texture of the sauce.
SOY SAUCE – Imparts a deep umami flavor, elevating the overall taste.
GARLIC POWDER – A pinch brings a subtle warmth and aroma.
DRIED CRANBERRIES – Introduce a tart sweetness that compliments the bacon.
SLIVERED ALMONDS – Add a crunchy texture.
ORANGE ZEST – Freshens up the dish with a hint of citrus brightness.
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GREEN BEANS WITH BACON – Oma’s authentic German Cucumber Salad is incredibly refreshing and made with 4 simple ingredients.
How To Make Holiday Crack Green Beans
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Mix drained green beans with cooked bacon and cranberries in a casserole dish.
- Cook the sauce with brown sugar, butter, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Pour the sauce over the green bean mixture.
- Top with almonds and sprinkle with orange zest.
- Bake at 375º Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.
Recipe Success Tips
QUALITY BACON – Opt for good quality bacon for optimal taste and texture.
DRAIN THE BEANS – Ensure canned beans are properly drained to prevent a soggy dish.
ADJUST SWEETNESS – Depending on personal preference, you can tweak the amount of brown sugar.
Serving Suggestions
ROASTED MEAT – Pairs beautifully with roast chicken or turkey.
MASHED POTATOES – Complements the creamy texture and rich flavors of mashed potatoes.
SWEET POTATOES – Let its savory-sweet profile balance the sweetness of candied yams or sweet potato casserole.
Leftovers
STORE – After cooling, place any leftover Crack Green Beans in a container with a secure lid and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.
FREEZE – Let the Crack Green Beans cool down completely after cooking. Once cool, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag. Seal the bag tightly and place it in the freezer, where the beans can be stored for up to three months.
REHEAT – When you’re ready to enjoy again, warm them in the microwave at a medium setting until heated through, or place them in an oven preheated to 350º F and bake until they’re hot throughout.
More Hearty and Delicious Side Dish Recipes
HONEY-ROASTED SWEET POTATOES – Sweet potatoes glazed with honey and baked until tender.
ROASTED CARROTS AND POTATOES – Carrots and potatoes seasoned and roasted for a simple, savory side.
MASHED SWEET POTATOES – Creamy, mashed sweet potatoes with a touch of sweetness.
CANDIED CARROTS – Carrots cooked in a sweet syrup until they’re sticky and tender.
MUSHROOM PIE – A savory pie filled with mushrooms and cheese, baked to perfection.
Crack Green Beans
Ingredients
- 5 cans
(14.5 ounces)
green beans drained - 1 pound bacon cooked and crumbled
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter unsalted
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 1 orange zest only
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375° Fahrenheit.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Let it cool, and crumble it into small pieces.
- Combine green beans, bacon, cranberries in a 9×13 casserole dish.
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is well combined.
- Pour the sauce over the green beans. Sprinkle the almonds over the top for added crunch. Grate the orange zest evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, just until it's heated through.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.
This looks good! Can you use frozen green beans? We don’t eat canned.
Great question. I didn’t tested it with frozen green beans. But I don’t think it should be a problem. I’d probably defrost the frozen green beans in a colander, drain any excess moisture, and proceed with the recipe as described. I hope that helps.