Baked Beans with Bacon – the dish that can turn a mundane Tuesday night into a BBQ feast! Imagine a warm, bubbling pot of beans, kissed by the smoky, savory essence of bacon. The aroma fills your kitchen, making your mouth water as you dream of scooping up that sweet and tangy goodness. cozy dessert for fall meals This dish is not just food; it’s cozy, heartwarming comfort that invites friends and family to gather around the table.
Every time I whip up this classic, I’m taken back to summer picnics where laughter mingled with the smell of smoke from the grill. My Uncle Joe would claim he had the best recipe, but we all knew it was really about those generous pieces of crispy bacon nestled among the beans. Whether it’s for a backyard BBQ or a simple family dinner, these baked beans are bound to steal the show!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These baked beans with bacon are easy to prepare and require minimal effort for maximum flavor
- The smoky bacon elevates the dish, creating a mouthwatering experience
- It’s visually appealing with its rich brown color and vibrant flecks of herbs
- Perfect for any gathering or as a comforting side dish at home
Sharing this delightful recipe always brings smiles from my friends and family who devour every last spoonful! unique dip option for gatherings.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Canned Navy Beans: These small beans soak up flavors beautifully; look for low-sodium options if watching salt intake.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for that satisfying crunch and rich flavor; it adds depth to your beans.
- Yellow Onion: A sweet yellow onion balances out the savory notes; sauté until translucent for best results.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add aromatic bliss; don’t skimp on this ingredient for maximum flavor.
- Ketchup: This will be your base sauce; opt for organic ketchup if possible to avoid unnecessary additives.
- Brown Sugar: The sweetness complements the savory ingredients perfectly; use light brown sugar for a subtle molasses flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess; it gives an extra layer of flavor that will surprise your taste buds!
- Worcestershire Sauce: This umami-packed sauce ties everything together beautifully; just a splash enhances all flavors.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A bit of acidity brightens up the dish; choose unfiltered for added health benefits.
- Black Pepper & Salt: Season to taste; fresh ground black pepper works wonders in enhancing flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking later on. Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
Sauté Bacon Until Crispy: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your chopped bacon until crispy. Enjoy the sizzling sound while inhaling that irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Add Onions and Garlic: Toss in diced yellow onion and minced garlic into the pan with bacon drippings. Sauté until onions turn soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes—your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!
Combine Beans and Sauce Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix drained navy beans with ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Add Bacon Mixture to Beans: Fold in your crispy bacon mixture into the bowl of beans gently. Make sure every bean gets coated in that glorious mixture.
Bake Until Bubbling and Browned: Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes. Wait until you see those edges caramelize slightly—this is when magic happens!
Now sit back while those luscious baked beans work their magic in the oven! You may want to keep an eye on them—after all, it’s hard to resist those tantalizing aromas wafting through your home.
Served warm alongside cornbread or grilled sausages, these baked beans with bacon are truly something special! Each bite offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that dance on your palate. perfect side dish for baked beans Enjoy every spoonful as you create wonderful memories around the dinner table! creamy potato side recipes.
You Must Know
- Baked beans with bacon can elevate any meal, providing a comforting and hearty side
- The sweet and smoky flavors blend beautifully, making them an irresistible addition to your table
- Don’t forget the aroma; it will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the bacon until crispy, then sauté onions in the rendered fat. Combine all ingredients and let them simmer for at least an hour for maximum flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the bacon for turkey bacon or add jalapeños for a kick. Experiment with barbecue sauces or different beans to suit your taste preferences.
Storing & Reheating
Store baked beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect baked beans with bacon, ensure your beans are fully cooked before mixing
- Always taste and adjust seasoning after simmering
- A touch of brown sugar can balance acidity beautifully, enhancing flavors
It was during a family barbecue that I first served these baked beans with bacon, and they disappeared faster than my uncle’s famous potato salad! Everyone wanted the recipe, which felt like a true culinary victory. For more inspiration, check out this slow cooker chili recipe.
FAQ
Can I use canned beans for baked beans with bacon?
Absolutely! Canned beans save time but rinse them well before using.
How long should I bake the beans?
Bake for about 30 minutes at 350°F to enhance flavors.
What can I serve with baked beans with bacon?
These beans pair wonderfully with grilled meats and cornbread for a hearty meal. For more inspiration, check out this complete chicken dinner recipe.
Baked Beans with Bacon
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves about 6
Description
Baked Beans with Bacon are the ultimate comfort food, transforming any meal into a feast. This hearty dish features tender navy beans simmered with crispy bacon, sweet brown sugar, and tangy mustard for an irresistible flavor explosion. Perfectly suited for BBQ gatherings or cozy family dinners, these baked beans will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) Navy Beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 strips Thick-Cut Bacon, chopped
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy; remove and set aside.
- Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in the bacon drippings until translucent.
- In a bowl, combine navy beans with ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in the crispy bacon and onion-garlic mixture until well combined.
- Transfer to the baking dish and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes until bubbling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
