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Savory Baked Beans with Brown Sugar and Crispy Bacon

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A comforting side dish featuring caramelized baked beans with a perfect balance of sweet brown sugar and smoky crispy bacon, ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups canned navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste (start with ½ teaspoon)
  • ½ cup water or broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and leave the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
  5. Add the drained beans, cooked onion and garlic mixture, crispy bacon (reserve a small handful for topping), and ½ cup water or broth to the sauce. Stir gently to coat the beans evenly without breaking them.
  6. Pour the bean mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon on top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Halfway through, gently stir the beans and check moisture; add more water or broth if dry.
  8. Check for doneness: beans should be thick, bubbly, and glossy with a sticky brown sugar glaze; bacon topping should be crisp and golden.
  9. Let the baked beans rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.

Notes

Render bacon slowly over medium heat for best crispiness and flavor. Stir beans gently to avoid mashing. Baking at 350°F ensures even cooking without burning the sugar. Add water or broth during baking if beans look dry. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke plus extra smoked paprika. Leftovers taste better after a day and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, brown sugar, crispy bacon, savory side dish, barbecue side, easy baked beans, smoky baked beans

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/savory-baked-beans-with-brown-sugar-and-crispy-bacon-easy-recipe-for-perfect-flavor/