First Step: Prep the Green Beans

1. Trim the Green Beans: Begin by washing the fresh green beans thoroughly. Then, trim the ends off each bean, removing any tough or woody parts. If you prefer, you can cut them into smaller, more manageable lengths, but for the most elegant presentation, leave them whole.
2. Blanch the Green Beans: To ensure the green beans stay bright green and tender when roasted, blanch them before wrapping them in turkey bacon. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the green beans. Boil for 3-4 minutes until the beans are bright green but still crisp-tender. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain them well and set them aside to dry.

Second Step: Prepare the Turkey Bacon and Bundles

1. Cut the Turkey Bacon: If your turkey bacon slices are long, cut them in half so that you can wrap them around the green beans. This will create smaller bundles and allow for a more even distribution of the bacon.
2. Create the Bundles: Take 4-5 green beans and gather them together. Wrap a slice of turkey bacon around the middle of the green beans, securing the bundle tightly. Repeat the process with the remaining green beans and turkey bacon slices. You should have 8-10 bundles depending on the number of green beans and slices of turkey bacon.
3. Season the Bundles: Place the bundles on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a brush to ensure that the oil and seasonings are evenly distributed across the bundles.

Third Step: Roast the Turkey Bacon Green Bean Bundles

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help the turkey bacon crisp up while keeping the green beans tender.
2. Roast the Bundles: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the green bean bundles for 18-20 minutes, or until the turkey bacon is golden brown and crispy. The green beans should be tender but still slightly crisp.
3. Check for Doneness: After 15 minutes, check the bundles and flip them if necessary to ensure even cooking. You may also want to check the bacon’s crispiness to ensure it has fully rendered and become golden brown.

Fourth Step: Optional Glaze

1. Make the Balsamic Glaze: While the bundles are roasting, prepare the optional glaze by combining the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally until the glaze has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the bundles are out of the oven and ready to serve, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top of each bundle. This adds a touch of sweetness and tang that enhances the smoky flavors of the turkey bacon and complements the freshness of the green beans.