1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Blanch the green beans by boiling them in salted water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking and keep them crisp.
3. Drain the beans well and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Excess moisture will make bacon less crispy, so this step is key.
4. Divide the green beans into 12 equal bundles, roughly 6-8 beans per bundle depending on thickness.
5. Cut each bacon slice in half crosswise. Wrap one half slice of bacon tightly around each green bean bundle, tucking the end underneath to secure.
6. Place the bundles on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down to prevent unwrapping during baking.
7. Brush or lightly drizzle olive oil over the bundles, then sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes evenly.
8. If you want a touch of sweetness, brush the bacon with maple syrup or honey before baking.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the bundles halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the green beans are tender.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving—this also helps the bacon crisp up a bit more.

I’ve found that flipping the bundles halfway through baking is a small step that makes a big difference. It ensures even crispiness, something my grandmother always insisted on with her roasts and sides. It’s these little touches that turn a quick recipe into a family favorite.