National Bacon Day

Celebrate National Bacon Day with Good Thyme Gal: Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans

Every year, August 20th brings us one of the most beloved food holidays of all: National Bacon Day. Few ingredients inspire as much excitement as bacon, crispy, savory, smoky, and versatile enough to appear at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even in desserts. At Good Thyme Gal, we believe in celebrating food holidays that not only highlight flavor but also showcase recipes that bring people together in an approachable, equitable way.

One of my favorite recipes to honor this day comes straight from my Good Thyme Gal Cookbook (available now on Amazon): Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans. This dish perfectly captures the balance of indulgence and nourishment, showcasing how food can be both fun and mindful. A guiding philosophy of Good Thyme Gal.

Why National Bacon Day Matters

National Bacon Day isn’t just about crispy strips of pork; it’s a reminder of how food connects us. From weekend brunches to holiday dinners, bacon often takes center stage in dishes that inspire smiles and conversation.

At Good Thyme Gal, our mission is to create recipes that are equitable, accessible, and flavorful. Bacon fits right into that philosophy because it stretches far in recipes, adds big flavor with just a small amount, and turns simple ingredients into something special. Pairing bacon with green beans, for example, makes an everyday vegetable shine while keeping the dish approachable and budget-friendly.

Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans: A Good Thyme Gal Favorite

This recipe has become one of the stars of my cookbook because it’s:

• Simple yet impressive – With just a few ingredients, you can create a side dish that looks elegant enough for entertaining but is easy enough for weeknight dinners.

• Balanced – Bacon brings smoky richness while green beans add freshness and nutrients, making this a dish that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.

• Equitable – Affordable, accessible, and made with ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans Recipe

(From the Good Thyme Gal Cookbook, available on Amazon)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

• 6–8 slices bacon

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until just tender. Drain and pat dry.

3. Toss beans with olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

4. Divide beans into bundles (about 8–10 beans per bundle) and wrap each with a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

5. Place bundles seam-side down on the baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, until bacon is crispy and golden.

6. Serve warm as a side dish, appetizer, or holiday platter favorite.

This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques to create a crowd-pleasing dish.

Why This Recipe Aligns with Good Thyme Gal

At Good Thyme Gal, I believe that recipes should be for everyone — not just gourmet chefs or those with endless time and money. Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans reflect that mission because they:

• Honor tradition: Bacon has been part of countless family meals and traditions, while green beans tie us to fresh, seasonal produce.

• Celebrate balance: Pairing indulgence (bacon) with nourishment (vegetables) reflects a realistic and joyful approach to food.

• Encourage connection: This recipe is perfect for sharing, whether at potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings.

National Bacon Day is the perfect moment to highlight this recipe because it brings out the spirit of celebration that Good Thyme Gal is all about: making food that feels festive, approachable, and rooted in community.

A Delicious Way to Celebrate August 20th

This National Bacon Day, I invite you to celebrate with me by making Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans from the Good Thyme Gal Cookbook. It’s a recipe that transforms a simple vegetable into something memorable, proving once again that food doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary.

So fire up that oven, crisp up some bacon, and let’s toast to a holiday that celebrates one of the most iconic ingredients in the kitchen. With recipes like this, every day can be a good thyme.