Rosemary and Maple Bacon Green Bean Bundles

I offered to bring a few things to Thanksgiving with my in-laws this year, including these rolls, a pie (still undecided on what I’m going to do) and a green bean dish.  I thought about doing these green bean salads, but my sister-in-law is bringing a green salad and I didn’t want to double up.  So I went in search of a green bean dish that wasn’t a rich heavy casserole, even though I love the stuff, but was still special.  These green bean bundles are the perfect compromise.

Rosemary and Maple Bacon Green Bean Bundles | Hottie Biscotti

I wanted something that wasn’t going to occupy too much stove or oven space and wouldn’t take too long.  You can blanch the beans in advance, and partially cook the bacon beforehand, which means a quick 15-20 minutes in the oven is all you need to finish these off.

The original recipe I found here on Williams-Sonoma’s site.  I changed a few things and was amazed at the results.  The bacon becomes almost candied in the butter and maple syrup sauce, so these are a bit decadent but since you’re eating vegetables you’re going to be fine.  It’s Thanksgiving after all.  Nothing wrong with candied bacon on Thanksgiving.

I think these are adorable in their little individual bundles.  It does require more work, but nothing too intense.  With all the other sides you really only need one bundle per person, but make some extra just in case.

Rosemary and Maple Bacon Green Bean Bundles | Hottie Biscotti

With Thanksgiving just a week away I wish you happy and stress free meal planning, traveling, prepping, baking and cooking.  But most of all I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and hope you thoroughly enjoy the day with family and friends!

Rosemary and Maple Bacon Green Bean Bundles

Makes about 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds green beans (6-8 green beans per bundle)
  • 8 strips of thick-cut bacon cut in half crosswise, 16 pieces total
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

Directions

  1. Trim and blanch the green beans: Trim the end off of the beans.  Boil a large pot of water and prepare a big bowl of ice water.  Cook the beans for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.  Drain, then plunge into the ice water.  Remove from the water and pat dry with towels.  Proceed with the recipe or store beans in the fridge for up to 1 day.
  2. Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and fry the bacon partially, about 1 1/2 minutes per side.  Do not let it get crispy or you won’t be able to wrap the bacon around the beans.  Proceed with the recipe or store the bacon in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
  3. Melt the butter and whisk in the syrup, salt and rosemary.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
  5. Wrap 6-8 green beans in one piece of bacon and lay on the parchment seam side down.  Repeat with all the beans.
  6. Drizzle each bundle lightly with the butter mixture.  You may have some leftover, which you can either drizzle on the beans or toss depending on how much sauce you want.
  7. Bake the bundles for about 15 minutes, until bacon is crisp.  Move to a platter and serve.