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Savory Brown Sugar Bourbon Baked Beans

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A rich and flavorful baked beans recipe featuring smoky bacon, caramelized brown sugar, and a splash of bourbon for depth and warmth. Perfect for BBQs and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cooked navy beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped (or smoked paprika for vegetarian option)
  • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cup good-quality bourbon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Add chopped onions to the bacon fat and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute to avoid burning.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and caramelized.
  5. Pour bourbon into the skillet carefully and stir to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer until slightly reduced, about 3 minutes.
  6. Transfer the cooked bacon, sautéed mixture, beans, and chicken broth into a baking dish or Dutch oven. Stir gently to combine. Season with apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and salt to taste.
  7. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add more broth if it looks too dry.
  8. Remove from oven, stir once more, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not rush the bacon step for best smoky flavor. Stir halfway through baking to prevent sticking and ensure even sauce thickening. Use foil or a tight lid to keep beans moist. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and use smoked paprika and vegetable broth. Add more broth or brown sugar if beans are too dry or flat in flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bourbon baked beans, brown sugar baked beans, BBQ side dish, savory baked beans, easy baked beans recipe

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/savory-brown-sugar-bourbon-baked-beans-recipe-easy-best-homemade-guide/