Can I make crack green beans ahead of time?

Yes, this one's great to make in advance! You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours before it's needed, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

Why did my green beans turn out watery?

This usually happens when canned green beans aren’t drained well. Make sure to drain them thoroughly before adding them to the dish.

Do I have to use bagged bacon pieces?

You definitely don't. Bagged real bacon pieces are a convenient shortcut, but you can use cooked and crumbled bacon instead. Avoid imitation bacon bits, which don’t soften or flavor the sauce properly.