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Savory Brown Sugar Bourbon Baked Beans with Crispy Bacon

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A sweet, smoky, and savory baked beans recipe featuring brown sugar, bourbon, and crispy bacon, perfect as a comforting side for BBQs or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked crispy bacon, chopped (preferably thick-cut)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (dark brown sugar preferred)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (mid-range brand like Bulleit or Maker’s Mark)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 7–10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, molasses, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Optionally simmer this sauce over low heat for 2–3 minutes to mellow the bourbon.
  5. In a large oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven, combine drained beans, crispy bacon, sautéed onion and garlic, and the bourbon sauce. Stir gently to coat evenly without mashing the beans.
  6. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The sauce should bubble and thicken, coating the beans with a glossy glaze. Add a splash of water or more bourbon if too dry.
  7. For extra crispness, broil on high for the last 3–5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Let the baked beans rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.

Notes

Simmer the bourbon in the sauce for 2–3 minutes to mellow alcohol flavor. Stir halfway through baking to prevent sticking. Let beans rest after baking for best texture. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika and liquid smoke. Add a splash of water or broth if beans are too thick after resting.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bourbon baked beans, brown sugar baked beans, bacon baked beans, BBQ side dish, savory baked beans, comfort food

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/savory-brown-sugar-bourbon-baked-beans-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-easy-guide/