Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles – The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Side Dish

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy bacon, sweet maple syrup, and tender green beans. 

These Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are the kind of dish that makes everyone reach for seconds before finishing their firsts. 

Trust me, I’ve watched it happen at countless dinner tables over the years.

Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, hosting a dinner party, or just want to make Tuesday night feel special, these green bean bundles deliver. 

The bacon gets perfectly crispy while the maple glaze caramelizes into something absolutely irresistible. And here’s the best part – they look fancy, but they’re surprisingly easy to make. 

Your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen when really, most of the work is just waiting for the oven to do its thing.

This recipe works beautifully as a Thanksgiving side dish, Christmas dinner accompaniment, or elegant appetizer for any gathering. 

The individual bundles make serving a breeze, and they’re much more exciting than a regular green bean casserole. Ready to impress?

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

For 2 People (6 Bundles)

Green Bean Bundles:

• Fresh green beans – 225g (8 oz), about 30 beans
• Bacon strips (regular cut, not thick) – 6 slices
• Wooden toothpicks – 6 pieces (optional, for securing)

Maple Butter Glaze:

• Unsalted butter – 2 tablespoons (30g)
• Pure maple syrup – 2 tablespoons (40ml)
• Garlic powder – ¼ teaspoon
• Sea salt – ⅛ teaspoon
• Black pepper – a pinch
• Dijon mustard – ½ teaspoon (optional, adds a nice tang)

For 6 People (18 Bundles)

Green Bean Bundles:

• Fresh green beans – 680g (1.5 lbs), about 90 beans
• Bacon strips (regular cut, not thick) – 18 slices (about 1 lb)
• Wooden toothpicks – 18 pieces (optional, for securing)

Maple Butter Glaze:

• Unsalted butter – 6 tablespoons (85g)
• Pure maple syrup – 6 tablespoons (120ml)
• Garlic powder – ¾ teaspoon
• Sea salt – ¼ teaspoon
• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
• Dijon mustard – 1½ teaspoons (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Large baking sheet or rimmed sheet pan
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Wire cooling rack (optional, helps bacon crisp evenly)
• Large pot for blanching
• Large bowl with ice water
• Small saucepan for glaze
• Pastry brush or silicone brush
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Colander for draining
• Kitchen towels or paper towels
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden toothpicks (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If you want extra crispy bacon, place a wire cooling rack on top of the lined baking sheet. This allows air to circulate under the bundles.

Step 2: Prep the Green Beans

Rinse the green beans under cold running water. Shake off the excess water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Lay the beans on your cutting board with the stems lined up on one side.

Trim off the stem ends using a sharp knife. You can trim the pointy tips too, but that’s optional. Try to select beans that are similar in length – around 4 to 5 inches works perfectly. If some beans are much longer, you can trim them to match the others.

Step 3: Blanch the Green Beans

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Here’s a little trick from culinary school – add a tiny pinch of baking soda to the boiling water. This helps the green beans keep their vibrant, bright green color.

Carefully add the green beans to the boiling water. Cook for exactly 2 to 3 minutes. You want them slightly tender but still crisp – they’ll continue cooking in the oven later.

While the beans are boiling, prepare a large bowl filled with ice and cold water. This is your ice bath.

Step 4: Ice Bath for Brightness

Using a slotted spoon or tongs, quickly transfer the blanched green beans directly into the ice bath. This stops the cooking process immediately and locks in that beautiful green color. Let them sit in the ice water for about 2 minutes.

Drain the beans in a colander and spread them on a clean kitchen towel. Pat them completely dry. This step matters because wet beans won’t let the bacon crisp properly.

Step 5: Create the Bundles

Now comes the fun part. Gather about 5 green beans together to form a bundle. The exact number depends on the thickness of your beans – use fewer if they’re thick, more if they’re thin French beans.

Take one slice of bacon and wrap it around the bundle in a spiral pattern. Start at one end of the bundle and wrap diagonally toward the other end. The bacon should slightly overlap as you wrap.

Place the bundle seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. This keeps the bacon from unraveling during cooking. If you’re worried about them coming apart, you can secure each bundle with a wooden toothpick.

Repeat with the remaining green beans and bacon until all bundles are assembled.

Step 6: First Bake

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake the bundles for 20 minutes. This initial bake starts rendering the bacon fat and partially cooks everything through.

Step 7: Make the Maple Glaze

While the bundles are baking, prepare your glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using Dijon mustard, stir it in now.

Whisk everything together until well combined. Let it simmer gently for about 1 minute, then remove from the heat. The glaze should be smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 8: Glaze and Finish Baking

Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a pastry brush, generously coat each bundle with the maple butter glaze. Don’t be shy – really brush it on there. The glaze is where all that sweet, savory magic happens.

Return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. The glaze will caramelize and get slightly sticky – that’s exactly what you want.

Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes. Ovens vary, and you don’t want the glaze to burn. The bacon should be crisp but not charred.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the bundles rest for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. This brief rest helps the glaze set slightly.

If you used toothpicks, you can remove them now or leave them in for easy handling. Serve immediately while the bacon is still crispy and warm.

Chef’s Tips and Variations

How to Pick the Best Green Beans

Look for fresh green beans that are bright green with no brown spots or blemishes. The beans should feel firm and snap cleanly when you bend them. Avoid beans that look limp, wrinkled, or have visible seeds bulging inside – those are overripe and will be tough.

Bacon Selection Tips

Use regular-cut bacon, not thick-cut. Thick bacon won’t cook through properly by the time the beans are done. Maple-flavored bacon works wonderfully in this recipe and doubles down on that maple taste. Peppered bacon is another delicious option if you want a little extra kick.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can assemble these bundles up to 24 hours before baking. Wrap them in bacon, place on the baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Wait to brush with the glaze until right before baking.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Maple: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the glaze for sweet heat.
• Brown Sugar Version: Replace maple syrup with 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
• Smoky Twist: Add a few drops of liquid smoke to the glaze.
• Honey Garlic: Swap maple syrup for honey and add an extra ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Balsamic Maple: Add 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to the glaze for a tangy depth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using wet green beans – Always dry them thoroughly after blanching, or the bacon won’t crisp.
2. Skipping the blanching step – Raw green beans take too long to cook, and the bacon will burn before the beans are tender.
3. Using thick-cut bacon – It won’t render properly and will stay chewy.
4. Overcrowding the baking sheet – Leave space between bundles so air can circulate.
5. Glazing too early – Apply the glaze after the first 20 minutes of baking, not before.

Read More – Blackstone Green Beans Recipe

Serving Suggestions

Transfer your beautiful maple bacon-wrapped green bean bundles to a white serving platter for maximum visual impact. The golden-brown bacon against a white backdrop looks absolutely stunning.

Garnish Options:

• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Flaky sea salt
• Chopped fresh thyme
• Toasted sliced almonds
• A drizzle of extra maple syrup

Complete Meal Ideas:

1. Holiday Dinner: Serve alongside roasted turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls.
   
2. Steakhouse Style: Pair with a juicy ribeye steak, loaded baked potato, and Caesar salad.
   
3. Sunday Roast: Complement roasted chicken, garlic bread, and honey-glazed carrots.
   
4. Ham Dinner: These bundles are perfect next to baked ham, scalloped potatoes, and buttered corn.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (3 bundles)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Health Benefits of Green Beans

Even wrapped in bacon and glazed with maple syrup, green beans bring plenty of nutritional goodness to your plate. Green beans are an excellent source of vitamin K, which supports bone health and proper blood clotting. They’re also rich in vitamin C, providing antioxidant benefits that support your immune system.

The fiber content in green beans helps with digestive health and can contribute to heart health by helping to manage cholesterol levels. Green beans also contain folate, an important B vitamin that’s especially beneficial for pregnant women. Plus, they’re low in calories and provide plant-based protein.

Of course, the bacon and butter add richness to this dish. Think of it as a special occasion treat where you’re getting your vegetables in a particularly delicious package.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover bundles in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The bacon won’t stay as crispy once refrigerated, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Freezing Instructions

I don’t recommend freezing these bundles. The green beans will become mushy when thawed, and the texture won’t be nearly as enjoyable. This is definitely a dish best enjoyed fresh.

Best Reheating Method

For the best results, reheat in the oven. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and place the bundles on a baking sheet. Heat for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and the bacon crisps up again.

You can also reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4 to 5 minutes. This method does a great job of re-crisping the bacon.

Avoid microwaving if possible – it makes the bacon rubbery and chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles?

Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are a sweet and savory side dish where fresh green beans are bundled together, wrapped in crispy bacon, and glazed with a rich maple butter sauce. They are perfect for holiday dinners, parties, or special weeknight meals.

How long does it take to make Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles?

The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 55–60 minutes. This includes 20 minutes for prep and 35–40 minutes for baking the bundles until the bacon is perfectly crispy and the glaze caramelized.

Can I make Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bundles up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them wrapped in bacon on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Apply the maple glaze right before baking to ensure maximum flavor and crispiness.

What type of bacon works best for this recipe?

Use regular-cut bacon rather than thick-cut. Thick bacon takes longer to cook and may not render properly. Maple-flavored bacon enhances the sweetness, while peppered bacon adds a spicy kick.

Do I need to blanch green beans before baking?

Yes, blanching is essential. Boil green beans for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. This keeps them vibrant green, slightly tender, and ensures the bacon crisps properly.

Can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh?

Fresh green beans are highly recommended for this recipe. Frozen beans can be used, but must be fully thawed and dried to prevent soggy bacon and uneven cooking.

How do I make the maple glaze for the bundles?

Melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan, then whisk in pure maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional Dijon mustard. Simmer gently for 1 minute until smooth and slightly thickened, then brush over the bundles after the first 20 minutes of baking.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover bundles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. While the bacon won’t stay as crispy, reheating in the oven or air fryer can help restore some crunch.

Can I freeze Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles?

Freezing is not recommended, as green beans become mushy and lose their texture when thawed. Enjoy these bundles fresh for the best flavor and presentation.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover bundles?

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes to re-crisp the bacon. Avoid microwaving, which makes bacon rubbery.

What dishes pair well with Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles?

These bundles are a perfect side for roasted turkey, grilled steak, baked ham, roasted chicken, and mashed potatoes. They also work beautifully for holiday dinners, Sunday roasts, or elegant dinner parties.

Are Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles healthy?

While they are a treat due to the bacon and maple glaze, green beans provide vitamin K, vitamin C, fiber, folate, and plant-based protein. They support bone health, immunity, and digestion, making this dish a delicious way to enjoy your vegetables.

Conclusion

These Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are proof that vegetables can absolutely steal the show at any dinner table. 

The combination of crispy bacon, sweet maple glaze, and perfectly tender green beans creates something truly special. It’s sweet, savory, and satisfying all at once.

Whether you’re making them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, a special dinner party, or just because it’s Wednesday and you deserve something delicious, this recipe won’t let you down. The best part? 

They’re easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to make experienced cooks proud.

I’d love to hear how your bundles turn out! Did you try any of the flavor variations? Leave a comment below and share your experience. 

And if this recipe made your family happy, feel free to share it with friends who love good food.

Happy cooking!