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Savory Smoky Baked Beans Recipe with Brown Sugar and Crispy Bacon

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A comforting baked beans recipe featuring smoky bacon, sweet brown sugar, and a slow bake that melds flavors perfectly. Easy to prepare and perfect as a side for BBQs and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) Navy Beans or Great Northern Beans
  • 6 slices thick-cut crispy bacon, chopped
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (50 g)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, about 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard. Let it cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and smells sweet and tangy.
  5. Drain and rinse the canned beans under cold water. Add them to the skillet and gently fold them into the sauce. Season with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt, keeping in mind the bacon’s saltiness.
  6. Scrape the bean and sauce mixture into your prepared oven-safe baking dish. Stir in the crispy bacon pieces, reserving a handful for topping.
  7. Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring halfway through. The beans should be bubbly, and the sauce thickened with a caramelized surface.
  8. Sprinkle the reserved bacon on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp it up further.
  9. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the sauce looks too thick before baking, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen it. Slow baking at a moderate temperature keeps the beans intact and flavors deep. Crisp bacon separately and reserve some for topping to add texture. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika and liquid smoke. Worcestershire sauce should be checked for gluten-free status or replaced with tamari if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, smoky baked beans, bacon baked beans, brown sugar baked beans, easy baked beans, BBQ side dish, comfort food

Find it online: https://evabake.com/savory-smoky-baked-beans-recipe-with-brown-sugar-and-crispy-bacon-easy-guide/