Crack green beans are a tasty twist on the classic green bean side dish. They mix simple ingredients for a rich, addictive flavor. This crack green beans recipe adds bacon, brown sugar, and soy sauce for a sweet and savory taste. It’s perfect for any meal, ready in about 30 minutes.
Let’s dive into making these delicious green beans. They’re also known as Southern Crack Smothered Green Beans or Southern Smothered Green Beans. You’ll love them so much, you won’t be able to stop eating!
Key Takeaways
- Crack green beans are a sweet and savory variation of traditional green beans.
- This recipe uses canned green beans for convenience and quick preparation.
- Bacon and brown sugar are key ingredients, enhancing the flavor profile.
- The dish can be served with various mains, making it versatile for any occasion.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for later use.
- Cooking low and slow helps to develop richer flavors.
- Variations allow for a vegetarian-friendly or gluten-free options.
What Are Crack Green Beans?
Crack green beans are a tasty southern dish that turns simple green beans into a flavorful side. They mix sweet and savory tastes, making canned or fresh beans a true delight. Key ingredients include bacon, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
This dish is loved across the U.S. for its ability to make even veggie skeptics want more. The mix of brown sugar and soy sauce makes a sweet-and-salty glaze. It’s a favorite in Southern kitchens, often called Southern Crack Smothered Green Beans.
Preparing crack green beans is quick, taking about 20 minutes. You can use either canned or fresh beans. Fresh beans add a nice crunch. This dish is a hit at gatherings and weeknight dinners because of its bold flavor and easy prep.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bacon | 6 slices | Adds flavor and richness |
| Brown Sugar | ⅔ cup | Provides sweetness |
| Soy Sauce | 6 tsp. | Introduces umami depth |
| Garlic Powder | 2 tsp. | Enhances flavor |
| Onion Powder | 2 tsp. | Boosts savory notes |
| Yellow Onion | ¼ cup diced | Provides freshness |
Why Call Them Crack Green Beans?
The name “crack green beans” comes from how much people love this dish. It’s like other “crack” recipes, like crack chicken or corn. The mix of bacon, brown sugar, and soy sauce makes it hard to stop eating.
This dish has green beans, bacon, butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, and spices. It’s sweet and savory, great for family dinners or potlucks. You can also use different ingredients for special diets.
Fresh green beans can be used too, trimmed and steamed for the best taste. Crack green beans are perfect for holidays because they’re easy to make. You can keep leftovers for up to three days and reheat them easily.
Ingredients for Crack Green Beans
This dish is made with a few key ingredients. They come together to create a sweet and savory taste. Knowing what goes into crack green beans makes every bite a delight.
Canned Green Beans
Canned green beans are the base of crack green beans. They are easy to use, as three 15-ounce cans are pre-cooked. Make sure to drain them before adding to keep the right texture.
Using Brown Sugar to Sweeten
Brown sugar adds a sweet touch to the dish. Use ⅔ cup of light brown sugar for a subtle sweetness. Dark brown sugar can also be used for a richer flavor, offering different sweetness levels.
Other Essential Ingredients
Other ingredients make the dish even better. Butter adds creaminess, while garlic and onion powder add depth. Soy sauce brings out the savory flavors, making it hard to resist. You can also add a bit of maple syrup for more sweetness.
Crack Green Beans Recipe
This crack green beans recipe is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s a standout side dish for any meal. Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Then, whisk in brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
Next, add 1 pound of fresh green beans, blanched in boiling water for 6-7 minutes. Cook these green beans for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This ensures they’re perfectly coated with the sauce.
In the last few minutes, stir in chopped, crispy bacon. This adds flavor and texture. The result is juicy green beans in a thick, syrupy sauce, satisfying any craving. Using fresh ingredients makes it a traditional comfort food with a twist.
If you’re looking for variations, vegetarians can omit the bacon. They can substitute honey for brown sugar, using a 2 tablespoons to ¼ cup ratio. Cooking methods can also vary; a crockpot on low for 4-5 hours works well. Each serving has about 215 calories, making it a delicious and nutritious option.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh Green Beans | 1 lb |
| Bacon | 5 strips |
| Diced Yellow Onion | ¼ cup |
| Garlic Powder | ¾ teaspoon |
| Soy Sauce | ⅛ cup |
| Brown Sugar | ¼ cup |
Cooking Methods for Crack Green Beans
Exploring how to cook crack green beans reveals several standout methods. Each method brings unique flavors and textures. The stovetop method is quick and favored for its simplicity.
Canned green beans are perfect for stovetop cooking. They quickly absorb the flavors from bacon and butter. This makes the dish taste amazing.
Baking offers a different twist. Preheat your oven to 425°F and place green beans in a covered skillet. This method cooks the ingredients together for about 15 minutes. It results in a delicious mix of flavors with every bite.
For a slower cooking method, try using a crockpot. Combine all ingredients and cook on low heat for several hours. This method makes the flavors deeply infuse, making the dish even more tempting.
The table below compares different cooking methods for green beans. It highlights preparation times, textures, and flavor benefits:
| Cooking Method | Temperature | Cooking Time | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stovetop | Medium Heat | 10 minutes | Quick, savory infusion |
| Baking | 425°F | 15 minutes | Rich, caramelized flavors |
| Crockpot | Low Heat | 4-6 hours | Deep, melded flavors |
Each method offers a unique way to enjoy crack green beans. They cater to different time constraints and taste preferences. No matter which method you choose, you’ll create a dish that will surely impress.
Tips for the Best Crack Green Beans
To make the tastiest crack green beans recipe, pay close attention to details. The key is to pick the right green beans and learn how to cook them well. Let’s dive into how these steps can make your dish stand out.
Using Fresh vs. Canned Green Beans
Fresh or frozen green beans usually taste and feel better. Canned beans are easy but might not taste as fresh. If you choose fresh, blanch, steam, or sauté them first. This makes them tender.
For frozen or canned beans, adjust cooking times. This affects how the flavors mix during cooking.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cook green beans at a low heat for a long time. This lets the sauce thicken and cover the beans well. A trick is to add water if the sauce dries out too fast.
By following these tips, your dish will taste amazing. It will be a flavorful treat.
| Type of Green Beans | Preparation Time | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Green Beans | 10 minutes (blanching/steaming) | Bright and Crisp |
| Frozen Green Beans | 5 minutes (thawing) | Similar to Fresh |
| Canned Green Beans | 2 minutes (draining) | Soft and Mild |
Serving Suggestions for Crack Green Beans
Crack green beans are a tasty side dish that goes well with many main courses. They add a flavorful twist to any dinner, making them perfect for many occasions.
Pairing with Main Dishes
For the best pairings, try them with oven-roasted chicken, steak, or pork nuggets. Their savory flavors mix well with the green beans’ sweet and salty taste. This makes the meal more enjoyable. The dish is versatile, fitting into both everyday dinners and special events.
Perfect for Holidays and Gatherings
Crack green beans are ideal for holidays and gatherings. They’re a hit at Thanksgiving and Christmas, balancing out rich main dishes. Their bright green color and delicious taste make them a favorite at festive tables. Guests will definitely ask for more.
Customizing Your Crack Green Beans
Crack green beans are a great base for making your own version. You can change them to fit your diet or taste. This way, everyone at your table can enjoy it.
Making it Vegetarian-Friendly
Want vegetarian crack green beans? Just leave out the bacon. Try using turkey bacon instead. It keeps the flavor rich and savory, perfect for plant-based diets.
Adding Spices for Extra Flavor
Spices can really boost the taste. Add smoked paprika for a smoky touch or red pepper flakes for heat. These spices let you make the dish your own, matching your taste.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover crack green beans can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This keeps their taste and texture fresh. If you have a lot, divide them into portions for quicker access.
To reheat leftovers, you have a few options. Microwaving with a paper towel on top helps keep them moist. Stir every now and then until they’re hot, about 30 to 40 seconds for one serving. For a crunchier texture, try reheating in a hot pan with oil or butter.
For longer storage, freeze leftover crack green beans for up to three months. Cool them down first to keep their flavor and texture. This makes them great for preparing ahead, serving at events, and enjoying later.
Nutrition Information for Crack Green Beans
Crack green beans are a tasty dish made with several ingredients. They offer a mix of flavor and health benefits. Each serving has about 431 calories, coming from carbs, fats, and proteins.
The table below shows the nutrition facts for one serving of crack green beans:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 431 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 43 g |
| Protein | 11 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 49 mg |
| Sodium | 1422 mg |
| Potassium | 677 mg |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 27 g |
| Vitamin A | 287 IU |
| Vitamin C | 57 mg |
| Calcium | 36 mg |
| Iron | 15 mg |
For those who focus on healthy eating, tweaking the ingredients might be wise. The high sugar content, mainly from brown sugar, is a point of concern. If you’re watching your sugar intake or following a low-sugar or keto diet, using different sweeteners could be a better choice. Enjoying crack green beans in moderation can add flavor to your meals while keeping your health goals in sight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crack green beans recipe are a tasty twist on a classic side dish. They mix sweet, savory, and salty flavors in a way that’s hard to resist. This dish is a staple in Southern cuisine, making any meal special, whether it’s a holiday or a simple dinner.
Crack green beans are also good for you, with about 150 calories and lots of fiber, vitamin C, and protein. They’re perfect for any diet, whether you use fresh green beans or a low-carb version. This makes them a great choice for many different eating plans.
Crack green beans are more than just a side; they’re a flavorful treat that everyone will love. Their easy preparation and delicious taste make them a must-have in your kitchen. They’re sure to become a favorite in your cooking routine.
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