Print

Savory Loaded Baked Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar

savory loaded baked beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy baked beans recipe loaded with smoky bacon and sweet brown sugar, perfect for BBQs and gatherings. This dish balances smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors for a comforting and crowd-pleasing side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (about 2 cans, 28 oz each) baked beans
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) yellow or Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon (2 g) smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to combine and slightly caramelize the sugars.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked bacon, sautéed onion mixture, and baked beans. Stir gently to coat the beans well in the sauce.
  6. Pour the bean mixture into a prepared 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  7. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles, and the top is slightly caramelized.
  8. Let the beans rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If beans seem too thick before baking, add a splash of water or broth. Watch closely in the last 10 minutes to avoid drying out. For extra crisp on top, broil 2-3 minutes but watch carefully. Vegetarian version: omit bacon and add smoked paprika and liquid smoke. Maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a different sweetness. Slow cooker method: cook on low 4-6 hours but no crispy top.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bacon, brown sugar, BBQ side dish, savory beans, easy baked beans, smoky bacon, comfort food

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/savory-loaded-baked-beans-with-bacon-and-brown-sugar-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-bbqs/