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    Side Dishes

    Crack Green Beans

    By Maike Corbett | Published: November 5, 2023 | Modified: November 5, 2023

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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    Get your holiday table talking with this delicious green bean casserole. It's a mix of tender beans, crispy bacon, and sweet cranberries, in a sweet and savory sauce all topped with a sprinkle of sliced almonds. It's the cozy side dish your Thanksgiving and Christmas meals need! #CheerfulCook #casseroleeasy #casserole #thanksgiving #canned #recipes #sidedish via @cheerfulcook

    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.

    Crack Green Beans recipe by Cheerful Cook.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.
    Table of Contents show
    1 Why This Holiday Crack Beans Recipe Works
    2 Ingredients
    3 How To Make Holiday Crack Green Beans
    4 Recipe Success Tips
    5 Serving Suggestions
    6 Leftovers
    7 More Hearty and Delicious Side Dish Recipes
    8 Crack Green Beans

    Why This Holiday Crack Beans Recipe Works

    EASY TO PREPARE - Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it hassle-free to whip up.

    ECONOMICAL - This dish is just as suitable for a casual family dinner as it is for special occasions such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.

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    HEALTHY TWIST - Adding green beans and almonds adds a nutritional punch.

    Ingredients

    Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.

    Ingredients needed to make Crack Green Beans.

    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.

    Cooked Green Beans with Bacon and Onions in a white bowl serving dish.

    RELATED RECIPE

    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.

    Process Step: Cook sauce.
    Process Step: Combine green beans, bacon, and cranberries.
    Process Step: Pour sauce over green bean mixture.
    Process Step: Add sliced almonds and bake.
    1. Mix drained green beans with cooked bacon and cranberries in a casserole dish.
    2. Cook sauce with brown sugar, butter, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Pour sauce over green bean mixture.
    3. Top with almonds and sprinkle with orange zest.
    4. 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.

    Closeup of a spoonful of Crack Green Beans.

    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.

    Please take a moment to rate our Crack Green Beans recipe below!

    Click stars to rate now

    Crack Green Beans

    Our Crack Green Beans with a Cranberry Almond Crunch is a festive oven-baked casserole combining canned green beans, crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and toasted almonds in a savory sauce.
    Servings: 8
    A spoonful of Crack Green Beans.
    PREP TIME: 5 minutes minutes
    COOK TIME: 20 minutes minutes
    TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes minutes
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    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 9x13 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.
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    Nutrition
    Calories: 441kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 875mg | Potassium: 202mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg
    Author: Maike Corbett
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    November 05, 2023
    Maike Corbett

    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.

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    Hi, friends. My name is Maike. Nice to meet you. I am the blogger behind the Cheerful Cook. A Comfort Food blog where we celebrate easy German American recipes all year long

    Hi there, I’m Maike!

    A German girl turned American who loves to share my favorite comfort food recipes. Browse through hundreds of easy, homemade recipes perfect for everyday cooking. LEARN MORE… 

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