Name: Candied Green Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 3 (14.5 oz) cans of green beans, drained; 6 slices of bacon, chopped; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Tools and Equipment:; Large skillet; Wooden spoon or spatula; Measuring cups and spoons

Candied Green Beans

If there’s one recipe that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the dinner table, it’s this dish of Candied Green Beans. I discovered it during a frantic weeknight scramble to create something memorable with pantry staples—and it’s been a hit ever since! Imagine tender green beans glazed in a sweet and savory sauce with crispy bacon for a touch of indulgence. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for the holidays but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms humble canned green beans into a side dish worthy of seconds (and thirds). My kids, who are usually wary of vegetables, dive in without hesitation, and even my husband, who’s a green-bean skeptic, asks for it regularly. It’s a versatile recipe—perfect for potlucks, holiday spreads, or just as a comfort food pick-me-up after a long day. Every time I serve it, I get requests for the recipe, which is why I’m so excited to share it with you here.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart not just because of its flavor but because of how it brings us together as a family. I hope it does the same for you. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, these Candied Green Beans are bound to become a new favorite.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:

Can I use fresh or frozen green beans instead of canned? Yes! While canned green beans are convenient, fresh or frozen green beans work wonderfully. Just blanch them first to achieve the right tenderness.

Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely. Swap the bacon for a plant-based alternative or omit it altogether. The glaze is flavorful enough to carry the dish.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! Prepare it a day in advance and reheat it just before serving. The flavors only get better as they sit.

Is this dish gluten-free? It can be! Just ensure the soy sauce or alternative you use is labeled gluten-free.

What You Need to Make Candied Green Beans:

Ingredients:

3 (14.5 oz) cans of green beans, drained

6 slices of bacon, chopped

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup butter

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Tools and Equipment:

Large skillet

Wooden spoon or spatula

Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Candied Green Beans:

Prepare the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.

Make the Glaze: Add butter, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined.

Add the Green Beans: Add the drained green beans to the skillet, tossing them gently in the glaze until they are evenly coated.

Simmer: Lower the heat and let the green beans simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and the beans are heated through.

Finish with Bacon: Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the green beans just before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Candied Green Beans:

Don’t skip the bacon grease: It adds depth of flavor to the glaze. If you’re skipping bacon, a tablespoon of olive oil or butter works as a substitute.

Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar to 1/4 cup.

Add a kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy twist.

Use fresh green beans for extra texture: If you’re using fresh green beans, blanch them for 2-3 minutes in boiling water, then shock them in ice water to preserve their color and texture.

Latest Reviews:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe was a hit at our family dinner! My kids couldn’t get enough, and my husband even asked for seconds. Definitely making this again.” – Sarah R.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really tasty! Next time, I think I’ll add a little less sugar, but overall it was great.” – Mark T.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for Thanksgiving! Everyone asked for the recipe. It’s so simple but tastes amazing.” – Emily K.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I loved the flavor, but I wish it reheated better in the microwave. Still a keeper!” – Jessica L.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Easy, delicious, and family-approved. This one’s going into my regular rotation.” – Amanda G.

Printable Recipe:

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