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Savory Brown Sugar Baked Beans Recipe with Smoked Bacon Easy and Delicious

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A cozy, no-fuss baked beans recipe featuring smoky bacon and a sweet-savory brown sugar glaze, perfect for any occasion and easy to prepare in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups canned Navy Beans or Great Northern Beans (about 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 6 slices smoked bacon, chopped (thick-cut preferred)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (dark brown sugar recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped smoked bacon until crisp, about 7-10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add the diced onions to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked bacon, sautéed onions and garlic, drained beans, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste. Add 1 cup of water or chicken broth and mix well.
  5. Pour the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish or Dutch oven, spreading evenly.
  6. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Stir gently every 15 minutes to prevent sticking and help the sauce thicken evenly. The sauce should be thick, glossy, and bubbling at the edges.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

If beans dry out during baking, add a splash more water or broth. For extra caramelization, broil for 2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. Use bacon fat for sautéing onions and garlic to enhance flavor. Stir gently during baking to avoid mashing beans. Vegetarian version can be made by omitting bacon and adding smoked paprika and liquid smoke.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, smoked bacon, brown sugar, savory beans, easy side dish, comfort food, barbecue side, quick baked beans

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/savory-brown-sugar-baked-beans-recipe-with-smoked-bacon-easy-and-delicious/