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Savory Brown Sugar Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe with Thick-Cut Bacon

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A smoky-sweet baked beans dish featuring thick-cut bacon and a subtle warmth from bourbon, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups canned navy beans, drained and rinsed
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped thick-cut bacon until crispy but not burnt, about 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook another 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and water until smooth.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, fold the drained navy beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onions and garlic, and sauce mixture until well combined. Taste for seasoning and add salt if needed.
  6. Pour the bean mixture into your oven-safe baking dish or Dutch oven, spreading it evenly.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes until the sauce bubbles and thickens and the top is slightly caramelized. Add a splash of water if it looks too thick.
  8. Let the beans cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and sauce to thicken.

Notes

Do not rush cooking the bacon; crisp but not burnt bacon renders flavorful fat. Let beans rest after baking to deepen flavors. If beans are too watery after baking, broil for 2-3 minutes to thicken the top. For a smokier flavor, add smoked paprika. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke plus maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bourbon baked beans, brown sugar baked beans, bacon baked beans, savory baked beans, smoky baked beans, easy baked beans, potluck side dish

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/savory-brown-sugar-bourbon-baked-beans-recipe-with-thick-cut-bacon-easy-and-perfect/