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Savory Baked Beans with Brown Sugar and Crispy Bacon

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A comforting and nostalgic baked beans recipe combining sweet brown sugar and smoky crispy bacon, perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) navy or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) ketchup
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy but not burnt. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving some bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté the chopped onion in the reserved bacon fat for about 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. In a medium bowl, stir together the drained beans, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, water or broth, and the sautéed onions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Pour the bean mixture into an oven-safe baking dish, spreading evenly.
  6. Crumble half the cooked bacon and stir it into the beans. Lay the remaining bacon slices on top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the sauce bubbles gently and the top bacon crisps further. Watch to avoid over-browning.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.
  9. Serve warm, ensuring a good mix of beans and crispy bacon on each plate.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick before baking, add a splash more water or broth. If too thin after baking, broil for 1-2 minutes to caramelize and thicken the top. For vegetarian adaptation, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Bacon is best cooked low and slow to avoid burning and to keep crispiness. Beans should be stirred gently to keep texture intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, brown sugar, crispy bacon, comfort food, potluck recipe, BBQ side dish, easy baked beans

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/savory-baked-beans-with-brown-sugar-and-crispy-bacon-recipe-to-try-today/