Okay, friends, let’s talk about a side dish that’s about to become your new obsession: Crack Green Beans! Seriously, these aren’t your grandma’s plain ol’ green beans. I’m talking about green beans elevated with smoked beef sausage, a hint of sweetness, and a savory flavor that’s totally irresistible.
This Crack Green Beans recipe takes just about 40 minutes from start to finish, and trust me, every minute is worth it. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion! Check out the video below for a visual guide.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crack Green Beans Recipe
I’m telling you, these Crack Green Beans are special. The combination of flavors and textures is simply amazing. Here’s what makes this recipe a winner:
- Sweet and Savory: The brown sugar adds a touch of caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the savory sausage and soy sauce.
- Tender and Crispy: The green beans are perfectly tender, while the sausage adds a delightful crispy crunch.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple, even for beginner cooks. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Crowd-Pleaser: These green beans are always a hit at potlucks, holiday gatherings, or even just a simple weeknight dinner.
The Story Behind Crack Green Beans
While the exact origin of “Crack Green Beans” is a bit of a mystery, it’s a dish that’s become a modern classic, especially popular in the South. The combination of green beans, Smoked Sausage, and a sweet-savory glaze creates a comforting and addictive side dish.
The name itself suggests just how irresistible these beans are. It’s a popular dish that brings a delightful twist to traditional green bean recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crack Green Beans
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Crack Green Beans recipe:
- 3 14.5oz. cans cut green beans, drained
- 6 smoked beef sausage slices, cook until crispy
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 6 tsp. Tamari soy sauce
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 tsp. onion powder
Understanding the Ingredients: A Detailed Guide
Let’s dive a little deeper into each ingredient and why it works so well in this Crack Green Beans recipe:
- Green Beans: I prefer using canned cut green beans for convenience, but fresh or frozen work too! If using fresh, you might need to blanch them before baking to ensure they’re tender. Frozen green beans should be thawed and drained. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary depending on the type you choose. There are also different types of green beans, like Blue Lake or haricot verts, which will give slightly different textures. Green beans are also a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium.
- Sausage: Smoked beef sausage adds a rich, smoky flavor that elevates these green beans. Cook it until it’s perfectly crispy so it adds a nice crunch to the finished dish. For a healthier option, consider using turkey sausage, but keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different.
- Brown Sugar: I like using brown sugar because it adds a caramel-like sweetness. Light brown sugar will give a more delicate flavor, while dark brown sugar will be richer and more molasses-like.
- Soy Sauce: Tamari soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar. If you’re gluten-free, be sure to use tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Coconut aminos are another gluten-free option with a slightly sweeter taste.
Easy Crack Green Beans Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make these amazing Crack Green Beans:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Spritz a 9 x 13 pan with your favorite cooking spray.
- Put drained green beans into the pan.
- Mix the brown sugar, melted butter, tamari soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour over green beans.
- Add the cooked smoked beef sausage.
- Bake for 25 Minutes in the oven.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crack Green Beans
Want to make sure your Crack Green Beans turn out perfectly every time? Here are a few of my top tips:
- Don’t overcook the beans: Overcooked green beans can become mushy, so keep an eye on them while they’re baking. You want them to be tender but still have a little bit of bite.
- Crispy sausage is key: Make sure your sausage is cooked until it’s nice and crispy before adding it to the green beans. This will prevent it from becoming soggy in the oven.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- Mix well: Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed over the green beans before baking.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thin, you can simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes to thicken it before pouring it over the green beans. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water or broth to thin it out.
Make-Ahead Instructions for Stress-Free Cooking
Want to get ahead of the game? You can prepare several components of this recipe in advance.
- Sausage: Cook the sausage up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Sauce: Mix the brown sugar, melted butter, tamari soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Green Beans: The green beans can be drained a day in advance and stored in an airtight container or bag.
If you’re looking for another quick and easy side dish, why not try a refreshing Raspberry Spinach Salad with Avocado and Walnuts?
Variations to Customize Your Crack Green Beans
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:
| Variation | Key Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Green Beans | Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper | Add the red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture before pouring over the green beans. |
| Smoky Green Beans | Use smoked paprika in the sauce | Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce mixture before pouring over the green beans. |
| Cheesy Green Beans | Add shredded cheddar cheese during the last 5 minutes | Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the green beans during the last 5 minutes of baking. Let it melt and bubble. |
Healthier Crack Green Beans: Smart Swaps and Modifications
Want to make these green beans a bit healthier? Here are some simple swaps you can make:
| Swap | Why It’s Healthier |
|---|---|
| Turkey sausage | Lower in fat and calories |
| Low-Sodium Tamari | Reduces sodium content |
| Stevia or Monk Fruit | Reduces sugar content |
| Olive Oil instead of butter | Healthier fats |
Serving Suggestions for Crack Green Beans
These Crack Green Beans are the perfect side dish for just about any meal. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:
- Main Dishes: Pair them with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked ham.
- Appetizers: Serve them as a warm appetizer at your next party.
- Potlucks: They’re always a hit at potlucks and holiday gatherings.
- Side Dish Pairings: Serve them alongside mashed potatoes, cornbread, or a fresh salad.
Consider serving these green beans alongside other delicious main dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.
How to Store Leftover Crack Green Beans
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the green beans. Let them cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the green beans in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave them in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crack Green Beans:
Can I use other sweeteners besides brown sugar?
Yes, you can use maple syrup, honey, or even a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers would be delicious additions.
How do I prevent the green beans from being mushy?
Don’t overcook them! Keep an eye on them while they’re baking and remove them from the oven when they’re tender but still have a bit of bite.
What is the best type of pan to use?
A 9×13 inch baking pan works perfectly.
Can I grill the green beans instead?
Yes! Toss the green beans with the sauce and sausage, then grill them in a grill basket until tender and slightly charred.
Conclusion
So there you have it, my friends! Crack Green Beans that are sure to become a family favorite. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and totally addictive. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or just enjoying a simple weeknight dinner, these green beans are guaranteed to impress.
Now, I want to hear from you! Have you tried this recipe? What did you think? Leave a comment below and let me know! And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I love hearing from you all. Happy cooking!
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Amazing Crack Green Beans Recipe You’ll Obsess Over
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the cooked smoked beef sausage.
- Spritz a 9 x 13 pan with your favorite cooking spray.
- Put drained green beans into the pan.
- Mix the brown sugar, melted butter, tamari soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour over green beans.
- Add the cooked smoked beef bacon.
- Bake for 25 Minutes in the oven.
Nutrition
Notes
- **Don’t overcook the beans:** Overcooked green beans can become mushy, so keep an eye on them while they’re baking. You want them to be tender but still have a little bit of bite.
- **Adjust the sweetness to your liking:** If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- **Mix well:** Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed over the green beans before baking.
- **Sauce Consistency:** If your sauce seems too thin, you can simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes to thicken it before pouring it over the green beans. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water or broth to thin it out.
