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Savory Bourbon Brown Sugar Baked Beans Slow Cooker Recipe Easy and Perfect for BBQ

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A flavorful and easy slow cooker baked beans recipe featuring bourbon and brown sugar, perfect for BBQs and gatherings. This dish combines sweet, smoky, and savory notes for a crowd-pleasing side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup bourbon (Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark recommended)
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons molasses (optional)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped (optional for vegetarian version)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave the rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  3. In the slow cooker, add the drained beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onions and garlic, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, molasses, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
  4. Pour in the bourbon gently to avoid splashing. Stir everything to combine all flavors thoroughly.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until beans are tender and sauce is thickened.
  6. Taste and add salt as needed. If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen it. If too thin, remove lid and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
  7. Serve warm alongside grilled meats or your favorite BBQ sides.

Notes

Crisping the bacon before adding it to the slow cooker adds texture and depth. Stir occasionally if cooking on high to prevent sticking. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add liquid smoke and extra smoked paprika. Use canned beans to avoid mushiness. Adjust sweetness and salt to taste. Leftovers store well refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 3 months (avoid freezing with bacon chunks).

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bourbon, brown sugar, slow cooker, BBQ, easy recipe, savory beans, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/savory-bourbon-brown-sugar-baked-beans-slow-cooker-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-bbq/