Savory Vegan Green Bean Bacon Bites

By:
Nicole Vranjican

A truly simple yet impressively elegant plant-based side dish featuring perfectly roasted green beans, delightfully crisp vegan bacon, and an optional touch of sweet-tart cranberry sauce. This recipe is designed to make vegetables exciting for everyone at your table.

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For the perfectly seasoned green beans:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, meticulously trimmed for optimal presentation and texture. Choose firm, bright green beans for best results.
• 1.5 – 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, for coating and achieving a beautiful roast.
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt, to enhance all the flavors.
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, a subtle hint of warmth that perfectly complements green beans.
• 3/4 tsp garlic granules, or garlic powder, for that essential savory depth.
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, to add a mild zest.
• 8 slices high-quality vegan bacon, choose your favorite brand for the best smoky flavor and crisp texture.

You will also need

• chilled cranberry sauce for serving, highly recommended for a delightful sweet and tart contrast.
• ice, optional, for creating an ice bath during blanching; see instructions below.

Prep & Pre-cook for Perfection

• Begin by preheating your oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is perfectly ready for baking when your bundles are assembled.

  Prepare a large cookie sheet by lining it with either a nonstick baking mat or parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

  For the blanching step, fill a large mixing bowl halfway with ice and cold water to create an ice bath. Set this aside, as you’ll need it immediately after steaming the green beans.

• Wash and meticulously trim the tough ends of your fresh green beans. This small step makes a big difference in both presentation and texture. Next, steam the green beans for just one to two minutes, or until they achieve a vibrant, bright green color and are slightly tender-crisp.

  Immediately remove the green beans from the heat and plunge them into the prepared ice bath. If an ice bath isn’t feasible, thoroughly rinse them under very cold running water until they are completely cool. This crucial step halts the cooking process, preserving their beautiful color and crisp texture.

  Tip: This technique is known as blanching. Its purpose is not to fully cook the green beans at this stage, but rather to give them a head start and lock in their vivid color. Pre-steaming significantly enhances the final texture and makes them far more delicious, so ensure you steam them lightly and then promptly stop the cooking with cold water.

  Once cooled, drain the green beans exceptionally well to remove any excess moisture, then set them aside.

• Next, warm a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegan bacon slices to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the edges just begin to crisp slightly. Again, this is a pre-cooking step to give the bacon a head start in achieving that desirable crispiness. Be careful not to cook it all the way through, as we need it to remain pliable enough to easily wrap around the green bean bundles.

  Remove the vegan bacon from the pan and set it aside on a plate to cool slightly.

Assemble Your Delightful Bundles

• In a large bowl, combine the drained green beans with the olive oil, kosher salt, nutmeg, garlic granules, and black pepper. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the green beans are evenly coated with the aromatic seasoning blend.

  Lay one slice of partially cooked vegan bacon flat on a clean cutting board. Arrange about 5-6 seasoned green beans neatly on top of the bacon slice, positioning them towards the center.

  Carefully but tightly roll the bacon around the center of the green beans, creating a snug bundle. Place each finished bundle seam-side down on your prepared cookie sheet. This helps to secure the bundle during baking. Repeat this process until all your green beans and bacon slices are used, creating eight beautiful bundles.

Bake to Golden Perfection

• Transfer the cookie sheet with the green bean bundles to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the green beans are perfectly cooked through to your desired tenderness and the vegan bacon has become wonderfully crisp and golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.

  Once baked to perfection, remove the bundles from the oven. Serve them warm, either with a dollop of chilled cranberry sauce elegantly placed on top of each bundle, or offered on the side for guests to enjoy. The contrasting flavors are truly exceptional. Enjoy your masterpiece!

Vegan Bacon Customization: The need to pre-crisp your vegan bacon in a frying pan largely depends on the specific brand and thickness you’re using, as well as your personal preference for crispiness. Some thinner varieties might become perfectly crisp in the oven without prior pan-frying. Experiment with your chosen brand to find what works best for your ideal texture!

The Cranberry Sauce Advantage: While the cranberry sauce is technically optional, its inclusion is highly encouraged. The bright, sweet, and tangy notes of the chilled cranberry sauce create an absolutely delicious and harmonious balance with the savory roasted green beans and the smoky vegan bacon. It elevates the entire dish, adding a burst of festive flavor that truly makes these bundles shine, especially during holiday meals.

Spice It Up: Feel free to customize the spice blend. A pinch of smoked paprika can amplify the smoky flavor, or a dash of onion powder can add another layer of savory depth. For a touch of heat, a tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes can be a delightful addition.

Nutty Crunch: For an added layer of texture and flavor, sprinkle some toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the bundles just before serving. The nutty crunch pairs wonderfully with the tender green beans and crispy bacon.

Balsamic Glaze Finish: A light drizzle of balsamic glaze immediately after baking can add a beautiful sheen and a sweet-tangy finish that complements the savory ingredients perfectly.

Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the green bean bundles up to one day in advance. Assemble them on the baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply follow the instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Storage: Leftover bundles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.