CRACK GREEN BEANS

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Green Beans**:
Start by washing and trimming the ends of the green beans. You can either steam or blanch them for about **5-7 minutes** until they’re tender-crisp. You want them to be cooked but still firm enough to hold their shape. After cooking, drain the green beans and set them aside.

#### 2. **Cook the Bacon**:
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and browned, about **5-7 minutes**. Once the bacon is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.

#### 3. **Make the Creamy Mixture**:
In the same skillet with a little bit of bacon grease left behind (or olive oil if you prefer), add the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir to combine, letting the cream cheese melt. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and continue stirring until everything is smooth and well-mixed.

#### 4. **Combine the Ingredients**:
Add the cooked green beans to the skillet with the creamy mixture. Stir gently to coat the green beans in the sauce. You can also add a bit more seasoning to taste at this point. Once the green beans are fully coated in the creamy mixture, sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top.

#### 5. **Add the Cheese**:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the green beans and bacon. Stir again to mix the cheese into the green beans, then cover the skillet and let it cook on low heat for about **3-5 minutes** or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

#### 6. **Serve and Enjoy**:
Once the cheese is melted and the green beans are heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the crack green beans immediately while they’re hot and cheesy. If you like a little spice, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for an added kick.

### Tips for Perfect Crack Green Beans:

– **Make It Ahead**: If you’re preparing this dish for a special occasion, you can make it ahead. Just prepare the green beans and creamy mixture, store them in the refrigerator, and then reheat them with the bacon and cheese just before serving.
– **Use Fresh Green Beans**: While frozen green beans will work in a pinch, fresh green beans give this dish the best texture and flavor.
– **Bacon Options**: If you want to make this dish a bit lighter, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. For an extra savory kick, consider using a flavored bacon like smoked or peppered bacon.
– **Add More Veggies**: You can easily make this dish heartier by adding other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions. Just sauté them with the bacon for extra flavor.
– **Cheese Variations**: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for different flavor profiles.

### Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to Crack Green Beans:

The name says it all—these green beans are *that* good. The combination of smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and tender green beans creates a side dish that is not only comforting but also packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, super satisfying, and adds a rich, savory element to any meal.

Whether you’re serving them alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or as part of a holiday feast, **Crack Green Beans** are the perfect way to elevate your meal. They’re sure to become a go-to side dish for both casual dinners and special occasions.

So, next time you’re looking for a side dish that’s as addictive as it is delicious, try this crack green beans recipe. You’ll love how simple it is to make and how quickly it disappears from the table!