Roasted Bacon with Green Beans

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

   Tip: Using foil prevents bacon grease from staining your pan and makes cleanup quick.

2. 2

   Arrange bacon pieces evenly across the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out so they roast rather than steam.

   Tip: Don't overlap the bacon too much or it won't crisp up properly.

3. 3

   Roast bacon for 8-10 minutes until it begins to render and turns light golden. Remove the sheet from the oven carefully.

   Tip: The bacon won't be fully crispy yet—it will continue cooking with the green beans.

4. 4

   While bacon roasts, whisk together maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

   Tip: This glaze adds depth and sweetness that balances the salty bacon beautifully.

5. 5

   Push the partially cooked bacon pieces to the sides of the baking sheet, then add trimmed green beans to the center.

   Tip: Grouping the green beans in the middle allows them to roast evenly while bacon crisps on the edges.

6. 6

   Drizzle the maple-garlic glaze over the green beans and toss gently with a spatula to coat evenly. Scatter red pepper flakes over the top if desired.

   Tip: Reserve about 1 tablespoon of glaze to drizzle on top after roasting for extra flavor.

7. 7

   Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for 12-15 minutes until green beans are tender-crisp and bacon is fully crispy and browned.

   Tip: The edges of the green beans may char slightly—this adds wonderful caramelized flavor.

8. 8

   Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining glaze from the bottom of the pan.

   Tip: Scraping up those flavorful pan drippings ensures nothing goes to waste.