Baked Beans with Bacon

These Baked Beans with Bacon are the ultimate side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Packed with smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, this recipe combines tender beans with crispy bacon and a rich sauce for a dish that’s both hearty and irresistible.

Baked beans have always been a family favorite, but the first time I added bacon to the mix, it became an instant hit. My husband couldn’t stop going back for seconds, and even the kids were licking their plates clean. It’s now a must-have at every family gathering, and we love how it brings everyone together over the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love Baked Beans with Bacon

•Smoky and Sweet: A perfect balance of flavors that everyone loves.

•Crowd-Pleasing Side: Complements grilled meats, burgers, and more.

•Customizable: Easy to adjust sweetness or spice levels.

•One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Ingredients Notes for Baked Beans with Bacon

•Bacon: Adds a smoky richness; thick-cut is ideal.

•Beans: Use canned pork and beans for convenience or navy beans for a classic touch.

•Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and a caramelized flavor.

•Ketchup: Forms the base of the tangy sauce.

•Mustard: Yellow mustard or Dijon adds a tangy kick.

•Molasses: Deepens the flavor and adds a traditional sweetness.

•Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the umami flavor.

•Onion: Sautéed onion adds depth and texture.

Recipe Steps

1.Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of the grease in the skillet.

2.Sauté the Onion: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

3.Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well.

4.Combine Ingredients: In a baking dish, mix beans, sautéed onion, and sauce. Crumble bacon on top, reserving some for garnish.

5.Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce.

6.Serve: Sprinkle reserved bacon on top and serve warm.

Storage Options

•Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

•Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

•Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Variations & Substitutions

•Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

•Vegetarian Option: Omit bacon and use liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.

•Maple Twist: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a unique sweetness.

•Bean Blend: Use a mix of navy beans, kidney beans, and black beans for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! Prepare and assemble everything, then bake when ready to serve.

Q: What beans are best for baked beans?

A: Navy beans are traditional, but canned pork and beans offer convenience.

Q: Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

A: Absolutely! Combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

These Baked Beans with Bacon are a comforting side dish that’s sure to impress. Their smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors make them a hit at any gathering!

Baked Beans with Bacon

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Course: Side Dish

Kitchen: American, Barbecue

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ 4 slices bacon chopped
• ▢ 1 small onion diced
• ▢ 2 cans 15 oz each baked beans
• ▢ 1/4 cup brown sugar
• ▢ 1/4 cup ketchup
• ▢ 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• ▢ 1 tablespoon molasses
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cook Bacon and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Stir in the cooked onions and half of the bacon.
• Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bean mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the top is caramelized.
• Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.