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Savory Baked Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar

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A flavorful and comforting baked beans recipe featuring smoky bacon and sweet brown sugar, perfect for barbecues and potlucks. Easy to prepare and can be made ahead for convenience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 3 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (about 50 g)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (120 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Chop the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and smoked paprika or cayenne if using.
  5. Add drained beans to the skillet with onion and garlic, then pour the sauce over. Stir gently to coat the beans without mashing.
  6. Transfer the bean mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle cooked bacon evenly over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes until the sauce thickens and edges bubble. Check at 45 minutes, stir gently, and bake longer if needed.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.

Notes

If sauce is too thick before baking, add 2 tablespoons of water or broth to loosen. Stir halfway through baking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or sautéed mushrooms. Bacon can be cooked in oven on foil-lined baking sheet for less mess. Use good-quality canned beans like Bush’s or Goya for best texture. Flavors improve after resting overnight. Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bacon, brown sugar, barbecue side dish, easy recipe, savory beans, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/savory-baked-beans-with-bacon-and-brown-sugar-easy-homemade-recipe/