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Savory Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans with Thick-Cut Bacon

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A hearty and flavorful baked beans recipe featuring thick-cut bacon and a smoky bourbon twist, perfect for gatherings or comforting weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces thick-cut bacon
  • 3 cups canned navy beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Chop thick-cut bacon into 1-inch pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until soft and golden, about 6-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Carefully pour bourbon into the pan (watch for flames!), scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and mellow the alcohol.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine tomato paste, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth.
  6. Add the drained navy beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onions, and garlic into the bowl with the sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
  7. Pour the bean mixture into your oven-safe casserole or Dutch oven. Spread out evenly.
  8. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, stir gently, and bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles, and the beans are tender.
  9. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

If the sauce looks too thick before baking, add a splash more broth or water. Simmer bourbon to burn off alcohol to avoid harsh taste. Stir halfway through baking to prevent sticking and distribute flavors evenly. For vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bourbon baked beans, smoky baked beans, thick-cut bacon, bourbon recipe, barbecue side dish, comfort food

Find it online: https://evabake.com/savory-smoky-bourbon-baked-beans-with-thick-cut-bacon-recipe-easy-and-delicious/