Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans: A Delicious Delight
A classic comfort food, these Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans are a delightful combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Loaded with crispy bacon, tender beans, and a rich, sticky sauce, this dish is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any gathering.
Equipment
- skillet
- 9x13 baking dish
- oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb Bacon Cooked, cooled, and chopped
- Onions Chopped
- Bell peppers Chopped
- 1 can Canned beans (e.g., navy, great northern)
- ½ cup Ketchup
- ¼ cup Molasses
- ¼ cup Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dried mustard powder
- Seasonings To taste (e.g., salt, pepper)
- Optional: Smoked sausage, ham, pulled pork, jalapeños, chili powder, hot sauce, corn, vegan Worcestershire sauce, vegetable broth
Vegetarian/Vegan Option
- Vegetable broth or vegan Worcestershire sauce Instead of bacon grease
Instructions
- Cook bacon at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until halfway done. Cool, chop, and reserve the grease.
- Sauté chopped onions and bell peppers in the reserved bacon grease (or butter) for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add canned beans, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and seasonings to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish and top evenly with the chopped bacon.
- Bake at 325°F for 2-3 hours until the sauce is thickened and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Make Ahead/Storage
- Prepare up to 2 days in advance by storing the bean mixture and bacon separately. Assemble and bake before serving.
- Refrigerate leftovers for 5-7 days and reheat before serving.
Notes
This recipe can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store the bean mixture and cooked bacon separately, then assemble before baking. Refrigerated leftovers remain good for 5-7 days. Reheat before serving. For a vegetarian or vegan version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth or vegan Worcestershire sauce. Add heat with jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce. Enhance with extra protein like smoked sausage, ham, or pulled pork, or add vegetables such as corn. This dish can also be prepared in a slow cooker.