Glazed Green Beans

These maple-glazed green beans are proof that green veggies don’t have to be boring. Whether hosting a dinner party or trying to make your weeknight vegetable sides a little more exciting, this recipe delivers maximal flavor with minimal effort.

We transform plain steamed green beans into a sweet, savory side dish by tossing them with sweet onions, smoky bacon, tart dried cranberries and a rich maple glaze that ties it all together. This dish comes together in about 10 minutes on the stovetop—making it quick enough for a weeknight, but elegant enough to earn a spot on your holiday table.

Ingredients for Maple Glazed Green Beans

• Green beans: These are the star of the show, so look for fresh, firm green beans with little to no blemishes. Frozen green beans will also work. See below for instructions on how to use them in this recipe.
• Onion: Yellow onions or sweet varieties like Vidalia work best with the flavors in this recipe, but you could also saute shallots or red onion if that’s what you have on hand.
• Bacon: The smoky, salty taste of the bacon balances the sweetness of the cranberries and maple syrup. If you’re vegetarian, skip it or use a plant-based alternative.
• Dried cranberries: We love the pop of color, tartness and contrasting chewy texture a handful of dried cranberries brings to this dish. If you’d like to customize the flavor, other dried fruits like cherries, apricots and golden raisins are good alternatives.
• Maple syrup: We heat the maple syrup to thicken it, which turns it into a sweet glaze that coats all the other ingredients with sticky goodness. There’s no substitute for the flavor of pure maple syrup—and no, pancake syrup is not the same thing.
• Bourbon: A splash of liquor is optional but highly recommended to create a deeper, warmer flavor. The oaky notes of the bourbon pair beautifully with the maple syrup and bacon. If alcohol isn’t your thing, skip it or try replacing it with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

Directions

Step 1: Steam the green beans

Place the green beans in a steamer basket, and set the basket over 1 inch of water in a large saucepan. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Steam the green beans until they’re crisp-tender, four to five minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Trim the green beans before steaming them. Line them up so the stem ends face the same direction, then use a sharp knife to cut off the tough bits.

Step 2: Cook onion and bacon

While the green beans steam, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bacon pieces and cook until the bacon is crisp. Drain off any excess bacon fat from the skillet.

Editor’s Tip: Onions release moisture as they cook, which can prevent the bacon from getting crispy. For the best texture, start the bacon first and add the onion once it crisps, or cook them separately.

Step 3: Combine the remaining ingredients

Add the dried cranberries, maple syrup, salt, pepper and bourbon (if using) to the skillet with the onion and bacon. Stir to combine, then add the steamed green beans and toss them until the beans are coated with glaze. Cook until the glaze thickens and everything is warmed through.

JOSH RINK FOR TASTE OF HOME

Recipe Variations

• Add garlic: Saute one or two cloves of minced garlic along with the onion to boost the aromatic flavor and give the beans an extra savory kick.
• Top with nuts: Garnish a platter of glazed green beans with toasted pecans, walnuts or slivered almonds for a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• Make them richer: Take glazed green beans to the next level with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or goat cheese crumbles. Cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze and tart cranberries.
• Saute instead of steam: For green beans with a deeper caramelized flavor, skip the steaming and saute them in oil until they’re tender-crisp and lightly browned.

How to Store Glazed Green Beans

After the green beans cool to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to four days.

Can you make maple-glazed green beans ahead of time?

These glazed green beans have the best taste and texture when fresh, but you can prepare individual components ahead of time to speed up the process. Steam the green beans up to one day in advance, then plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain them and store them in the fridge. You can also chop the onion and bacon into pieces and store them in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, toss the onion and bacon into the skillet and proceed with the recipe.

How do you reheat bacon maple green beans?

Reheat the green beans in a skillet over medium heat or microwave them until warm. If the glaze thickens in the fridge, add a splash of water, broth or orange juice to loosen it up.

Glazed Green Beans Tips

JOSH RINK FOR TASTE OF HOME

Can you use frozen green beans?

Yes, a bag of frozen green beans works just as well as fresh beans in this recipe. For the best texture and presentation, choose whole frozen green beans, not cut green beans, and steam them from frozen until they’re crisp-tender and warmed through.

Can you saute the green beans without steaming?

Yes, you can choose to saute the green beans instead of steaming them. Sauteeing the green beans directly in the skillet will give them more charred brown bits, resulting in a more flavorful and caramelized dish. Simply add a drizzle of oil or pat of butter in the skillet, then add the green beans and cook them until they’re tender and lightly browned, about eight to ten minutes. Then, add the remaining ingredients and toss to coat everything with the maple glaze.

What can you serve with maple bacon green beans?

These glazed green beans are an elevated side dish, perfect for pairing with roasted salmon, prime rib, apple-stuffed pork tenderloin, holiday ham or a Thanksgiving turkey. Round out the meal with a starchy side like creamy mashed potatoes, rice pilaf or dinner rolls to soak up every bit of the sweet maple glaze.