Crack Green Beans
Crack Green Beans are so simple to make and absolutely delicious! With only 5 ingredients, get tender green beans in a bacon ranch butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs green beans (2 cans of green beans or 1.5lbs of fresh beans)
- 2.5 oz bagged real bacon pieces
- 2 packs ranch dressing mix (¼ cup)
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 1 stick butter (½ cup, melted)
Instructions
- Wash and trim the ends of the green beans, then chop into 1-2" pieces. Place them in an 8x8" glass baking dish. (If using canned green beans, drain them well before adding to the dish.)
- In a medium bowl, melt the butter and stir in the ranch dressing mix and brown sugar until smooth. Pour this mixture over the green beans.
- Sprinkle the bacon pieces on top.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 35-40 minutes.
Notes
- Fresh or canned: Fresh green beans stay slightly crisp; canned green beans are softer. If using canned, use two 15-oz cans and drain very well.
- Cut evenly: Trim and cut fresh green beans into 1–2 inch pieces for even cooking.
- Use real bacon: Bagged real bacon pieces work best. Skip imitation bacon bits.
- Ranch substitute: If using shaker ranch seasoning, use about ¼ cup total instead of packets.
- Sweet & savory balance: For a less-sweet version, slightly reduce the brown sugar.
- Optional savory boost: For a more classic flavor, add 1–2 tablespoons soy sauce to the butter sauce (start small to avoid excess salt).
- Extra sauce is normal: Serve with tongs or a slotted spoon if you prefer less sauce.
- Let it rest: Rest 5 minutes after baking so the sauce thickens.
- Doubling: Double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch dish; add a few minutes to bake time.
- Crockpot option: Cook on LOW 2–3 hours or HIGH 1–2 hours; canned beans will be very soft.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 5gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 385mgPotassium: 226mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 1191IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 1mg
