Description
Baked Beans with Bacon
Ingredients:
4 cups canned navy beans (drained and rinsed)
6 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside and crumble once cooled.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion in the bacon fat until translucent.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine beans, sautéed onion, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with the crumbled bacon.
6. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, until the beans are bubbly and the top is slightly caramelized.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.
#BakedBeans #ComfortFood
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect baked beans every time. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready. Cook 6 slices of bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove, drain on paper towels, and crumble once cool. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté in the bacon fat for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained navy beans, sautéed onion, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is thoroughly and evenly coated. Transfer this bean mixture to a 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 55-65 minutes. The beans are done when they are bubbling vigorously around the edges and the top has a beautiful, sticky caramelization.
Serving Suggestions
These rich, smoky baked beans are a versatile side dish. For a classic cookout, serve them alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or barbecue chicken. They pair wonderfully with cornbread, coleslaw, and potato salad. For a hearty brunch, serve them next to scrambled eggs and toast. You can also use them as a flavorful topping for baked potatoes or a filling for loaded nachos.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cook and crumble bacon, then sauté onion in the fat. Mix beans, onion, and all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Transfer to a dish, top with bacon, and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour until bubbly and caramelized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What can I use instead of molasses? For a similar deep flavor, you can use pure maple syrup or dark corn syrup. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I use dry beans instead of canned? Absolutely. You’ll need about 1 1/2 cups of dry navy beans. Soak and cook them fully according to package directions until tender before using in the recipe.
How should I store leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a covered dish in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
Is there a way to make this vegetarian? Yes. Omit the bacon. Sauté the onion in 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil. For a smoky flavor, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results: Do not skip rinsing the canned beans, as the starchy liquid can make the final dish too thick and muddy the flavors. Do not over-bake, as the sugars can burn, creating a bitter taste. Keep an eye on the beans after the 50-minute mark. Do not use raw onion without sautéing it first; this step is crucial for developing sweetness and removing harsh raw onion flavor. Finally, do not stir the bacon into the beans before baking. Keeping it on top allows it to stay crispy and create a perfect textured crust.
Conclusion
This recipe for Baked Beans with Bacon delivers a classic, crowd-pleasing side dish that balances sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common mistakes, you can create a perfectly caramelized and deeply flavorful batch every time. Whether for a summer barbecue, a cozy family dinner, or a potluck, these beans are sure to be a hit. Their make-ahead flexibility and simple ingredients make them a reliable staple for any home cook’s repertoire.