Add a touch of sweetness and a hint of smokiness to your baked beans with this delicious recipe featuring brown sugar and bacon. These Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans are the perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any gathering where you want to impress with a flavorful and hearty dish. The combination of tender beans, sweet brown sugar, and crispy bacon makes this recipe an instant crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cans (28 oz each) pork and beans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika for extra smokiness
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté the Onions: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork and beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onions, brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the bean mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish or a large Dutch oven, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the beans are bubbly and the sauce is thickened. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Let the baked beans cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
These Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans are the perfect accompaniment to any meal, bringing a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether served alongside grilled meats, burgers, or as part of a picnic spread, they are sure to be a hit with everyone.