Go Back
Crack green beans with crispy bacon in a sweet and savory brown sugar sauce

Crack Green Beans

This Crack Green Beans Recipe is a classic Southern-style side dish made with green beans, crispy bacon, brown sugar, butter, and savory seasonings. Sweet, salty, and incredibly addictive, these green beans are perfect for holidays, potlucks, or easy family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 38 oz canned cut green beans, drained well
  • 10 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 6 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tsp onion powder

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
  2. Add brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and begins to gently bubble.
  3. Add the drained green beans to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beans.
  5. Stir in the chopped bacon and cook for another 3–5 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Notes

Crack green beans served as a holiday side dish with turkey and classic Southern sides

  • Drain the green beans completely before cooking. Extra liquid will thin the sauce and prevent that rich, sticky texture crack green beans are known for.
  • Low-sodium soy sauce is highly recommended. Regular soy sauce can overpower the dish and make it too salty once the sauce reduces.
  • Do not rush the simmering time. Letting the beans cook slowly for 20–25 minutes allows the brown sugar and butter to caramelize, creating the signature sweet-savory flavor.
  • Canned green beans give the classic Southern texture. If you prefer a firmer bite, fresh green beans can be used, but blanch them first for best results.
  • Cook bacon until crisp. Soft bacon can turn chewy once mixed into the beans. Crispy bacon adds the best flavor and texture.
  • This dish tastes even better the next day. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead side dish for holidays and gatherings.
  • Adjust sweetness to taste. For a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar by 2–3 tablespoons without affecting the overall balance.
  • Perfect for holidays and potlucks. Crack green beans stay warm well and pair beautifully with turkey, ham, steak, and mashed potatoes.
  • Gluten-free option: Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe completely gluten-free.
  • Reheating tip: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce from separating.
QR Code linking back to recipe