Crockpot Bacon Jam Green Beans
Crockpot Bacon Jam Green Beans – Sweet, Smoky & Buttery Slow Cooker Green Beans
These Crockpot Bacon Jam Green Beans are sweet, smoky, buttery, and loaded with incredible flavor! Tender green beans are slow-cooked with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, brown sugar, and a rich, savory bacon jam sauce that turns ordinary green beans into an irresistible side dish.
If you’re looking for a new way to make canned green beans taste amazing, this easy crockpot recipe is one you’ll want to keep!
The combination of salty bacon, sweet brown sugar, buttery onions, and a splash of balsamic vinegar creates a delicious homemade bacon jam-inspired glaze that coats every green bean.
And the best part? The slow cooker does most of the work!
These sweet and savory green beans are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Sunday dinners, potlucks, and busy weeknight meals.
They’re especially delicious served alongside ham, roasted turkey, meatloaf, pork chops, or mashed potatoes.
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Bacon Jam Green Beans
- Sweet and savory flavor: Brown sugar, bacon, and caramelized onions create an irresistible combination.
- Easy canned green bean recipe: A delicious way to dress up ordinary pantry green beans.
- Slow cooker convenience: Perfect for holidays when oven space is limited.
- Loaded with bacon: Crispy bacon adds smoky, salty flavor.
- Rich buttery sauce: Every bite is coated in a sweet and savory bacon jam glaze.
- Great for holidays: An easy Thanksgiving or Christmas vegetable side dish.
- Frozen green beans work too: Make this recipe with whichever green beans you have available.
What Are Bacon Jam Green Beans?
Bacon jam green beans are a delicious twist on traditional Southern-style green beans.
Bacon jam is a sweet and savory mixture typically made with cooked bacon, caramelized onions, brown sugar, and vinegar.
Instead of serving bacon jam on burgers or sandwiches, we’re using those delicious flavors to create a rich glaze for slow-cooked green beans.
The result is a vegetable side dish that’s buttery, smoky, slightly sweet, and packed with bacon flavor.
The caramelized onions almost melt into the sauce, giving the green beans an incredibly rich taste.
Ingredients for Crockpot Bacon Jam Green Beans
- 4 cans (14.5 ounces each) cut green beans, drained: The base of this easy slow cooker recipe.
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped: Adds delicious smoky flavor and crispy texture.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced: Caramelizes beautifully and gives the sauce its bacon jam flavor.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Makes the green beans rich and buttery.
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze.
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Gives the sauce a wonderful sweet, caramel-like flavor.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Balances the sweetness and adds depth.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a little brightness.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds delicious garlic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky bacon flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little seasoning.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Helps the sauce coat the green beans without drying out.
Optional: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy variation.
Can You Use Frozen Green Beans?
Absolutely!
You can substitute approximately 1½ pounds of frozen green beans for the canned green beans.
There’s no need to thaw them first.
Frozen green beans have a firmer texture than canned green beans, so they generally need a longer cooking time.
For canned green beans, the slow cooker is primarily heating the beans and allowing them to absorb the bacon jam flavor.
For frozen green beans, the slow cooker also needs to cook the beans until tender.
How to Make Crockpot Bacon Jam Green Beans
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook until browned and crispy, approximately 8–10 minutes.
Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate.
Leave approximately 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
Set aside a small amount of crispy bacon for garnishing the finished green beans.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
Add the diced onions to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease.
Cook over medium-low heat for approximately 12–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft, golden, and caramelized.
Reduce the heat if they begin to brown too quickly.
Step 3: Make the Bacon Jam Sauce
Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for approximately 30 seconds.
Stir in:
- Brown sugar
- Maple syrup
- Balsamic vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Black pepper
Cook over low heat for approximately 2–3 minutes, stirring until the brown sugar dissolves and the sauce becomes glossy.
Stir most of the cooked bacon back into the skillet.
The mixture should be thick, sweet, smoky, and packed with bacon and caramelized onions.
Step 4: Add the Green Beans to the Crockpot
Drain the canned green beans thoroughly.
Place them in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.
Pour the chicken broth over the green beans.
Step 5: Add the Bacon Jam
Spoon the warm bacon jam mixture over the green beans.
Add the butter, cut into small pieces.
Gently stir until the green beans are evenly coated.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
LOW: 2–3 hours for canned green beans
HIGH: 1–1½ hours for canned green beans
The green beans should be hot throughout and coated in the flavorful bacon jam sauce.
Stir gently once during cooking if convenient.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Once the green beans are heated through, stir gently to distribute the buttery bacon jam sauce.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with the reserved crispy bacon.
For an extra glossy finish, spoon some of the warm sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker over the green beans.
Serve warm and enjoy!
How Long to Cook Frozen Green Beans in the Crockpot
If you’re using frozen green beans instead of canned, follow the same recipe with these adjustments:
- Add approximately 1½ pounds frozen green beans directly to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the bacon jam sauce as directed.
- Pour the sauce over the frozen green beans.
- Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the beans are tender and hot throughout.
- Stir and garnish with reserved crispy bacon before serving.
Frozen green beans may release more liquid than canned beans. If the sauce is thinner than you’d like, remove some excess liquid before serving.
Cooking times vary by slow cooker and the thickness of the beans.
Tips for the Best Bacon Jam Green Beans
Drain the Canned Green Beans
Canned green beans contain packing liquid that can dilute the sweet bacon jam sauce.
Drain them thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker.
Use Thick-Cut Bacon
Thick-cut bacon gives the recipe a wonderful smoky flavor and holds its texture better during slow cooking.
Caramelize the Onions
Don’t rush this step!
Slowly cooking the onions develops the rich, sweet flavor that makes bacon jam so delicious.
Don’t Skip the Vinegar
The balsamic and apple cider vinegar help balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and maple syrup.
Without a little acidity, the sauce can taste overly sweet.
Reserve Some Crispy Bacon
Bacon softens as it cooks in the crockpot.
Saving a little crispy bacon to sprinkle on top gives the finished dish a delicious contrast in texture.
Taste Before Adding Salt
Bacon, canned green beans, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth can all contain sodium.
Taste the finished green beans before adding extra salt.
Delicious Recipe Variations
Brown Sugar Bacon Jam Green Beans
Increase the brown sugar to 1/3 cup and omit the maple syrup for a sweeter brown sugar bacon glaze.
Maple Bacon Green Beans
Increase the maple syrup to 1/4 cup and reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons for a stronger maple flavor.
Spicy Bacon Jam Green Beans
Add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a small drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and spicy variation.
Bourbon Bacon Jam Green Beans
Add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the skillet with the vinegar and allow it to simmer briefly before adding the mixture to the crockpot. The finished dish may retain some alcohol.
Garlic Butter Bacon Green Beans
Increase the garlic to 4 cloves and add another tablespoon of butter for an extra buttery garlic flavor.
Bacon Jam Green Beans with Mushrooms
Add 1 cup sautéed sliced mushrooms for a delicious savory variation.
Honey Bacon Jam Green Beans
Replace the maple syrup with honey for a sweet honey-bacon glaze.
French Onion Bacon Jam Green Beans
Add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder for a French onion-inspired version.
What to Serve with Crockpot Bacon Jam Green Beans
These sweet and savory green beans pair beautifully with hearty comfort food dinners and holiday meals.
Try serving them with:
- Brown sugar glazed ham
- Herb-roasted turkey
- Crockpot turkey breast
- Homemade meatloaf
- Garlic butter pork chops
- Mississippi pot roast
- Salisbury steak meatballs
- Oven-baked chicken thighs
- Slow cooker beef roast
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
They’re also delicious with macaroni and cheese, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and homemade dinner rolls.
Can You Make Bacon Jam Green Beans Ahead of Time?
Yes!
You can prepare the bacon jam mixture up to 2 days in advance.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to cook, warm the mixture slightly so it’s easier to stir into the green beans.
Add everything to the crockpot and cook as directed.
For the best texture, reserve a little freshly cooked crispy bacon for garnish.
How to Store Leftover Bacon Jam Green Beans
Allow leftovers to cool slightly and refrigerate within 2 hours.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating Instructions
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or a little butter.
Slow cooker: Reheat refrigerated leftovers using the stovetop or microwave first, rather than starting with cold leftovers in the slow cooker. Once hot, transfer them to a preheated slow cooker for serving.
Reheat leftovers to 165°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned green beans in the crockpot?
Yes! Canned green beans are already cooked, making them perfect for an easy slow cooker side dish. They only need enough time to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Can I use frozen green beans instead?
Absolutely. Use approximately 1½ pounds frozen green beans and increase the cooking time until they’re tender.
Do I need to cook the bacon before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes. Cooking the bacon first develops its smoky flavor, removes excess grease, and provides bacon drippings for caramelizing the onions.
Can I make this recipe without maple syrup?
Yes. Replace the maple syrup with an additional 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar and a tablespoon of water.
Are bacon jam green beans sweet?
They have a sweet and savory flavor. The brown sugar and maple syrup provide sweetness, while bacon, caramelized onions, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce add savory depth.
Can I use fresh green beans?
Yes. Trim approximately 1½ pounds fresh green beans and cook until tender. Fresh beans generally require longer cooking than canned beans, and the time will depend on their thickness.
Are these green beans good for Thanksgiving?
Definitely! They’re an easy, flavorful Thanksgiving side dish, and using the slow cooker helps free up valuable oven space.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, provided your slow cooker has enough capacity. Avoid filling it more than approximately two-thirds full, and allow additional time if necessary for everything to heat thoroughly.
Jennie’s Thoughts
These Crockpot Bacon Jam Green Beans are one of those easy side dishes that make ordinary green beans taste extraordinary!
The combination of crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, brown sugar, maple syrup, and butter creates a rich, flavorful glaze that’s absolutely delicious with tender green beans.
Whether you’re making them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, a family potluck, or a simple weeknight dinner, these sweet and savory slow cooker green beans are a wonderful addition to the table.
Save this easy Crockpot Bacon Jam Green Beans recipe for your next family dinner!
