Crack Green Beans
Crack Green Beans are a quick, flavorful side dish featuring crisp-tender fresh green beans baked with a savory, crispy topping of butter, bacon, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe combines delightful texture and seasoning, perfect for family meals or last-minute gatherings. This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of mains and is loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, washed and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Prep the Green Beans: Wash and trim the ends of the fresh green beans. Pat them dry thoroughly to ensure they crisp up perfectly when cooked.
- Blanch the Beans: Briefly boil the green beans in salted water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This keeps the beans crisp and vibrant.
- Prepare the Crunchy Topping: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in bacon bits, garlic powder, and onion powder, cooking until fragrant. Then add the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan, tossing until golden brown and crispy.
- Combine and Bake: Drain and dry your green beans thoroughly. Toss them gently with the buttery, crispy topping mixture, spread evenly on a baking tray, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until the topping is golden and the beans are warm and crispy.
- Season and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your taste. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor experience.
Notes
- Dry beans thoroughly after blanching to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Use fresh ingredients like fresh green beans and quality bacon bits for best results.
- Don’t skip the ice bath to lock in color and stop cooking.
- Toast breadcrumbs carefully to avoid burning while achieving the perfect golden crunch.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispy texture of the topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Crack Green Beans, green bean side dish, crispy green beans, bacon green beans, cheesy green beans, easy side dish, baked green beans, family-friendly side