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Cozy Brown Sugar Baked Beans Recipe with Crispy Bacon

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A comforting and easy baked beans recipe featuring tender Great Northern beans, sweet brown sugar, and crispy smoky bacon. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this dish balances sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 8 slices thick-cut crispy bacon
  • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup water or broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place 8 thick-cut bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes, turning as needed. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels. Leave 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and ½ cup water or broth. Stir until smooth and sugar begins to dissolve.
  5. Drain and rinse the beans. Gently fold the beans into the sauce mixture, then add the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir carefully to avoid mashing the beans.
  6. Pour the bean mixture into an ovenproof casserole dish. Crumble half of the crispy bacon over the top and stir lightly to distribute.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the sauce bubbles and thickens, coating the beans.
  8. Remove from oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon on top.
  9. Let the baked beans rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.

Notes

For crispier bacon, cook separately until crisp before baking. Stir gently to keep beans whole. Add a splash of water or broth if sauce thickens too much during baking. Resting the dish before serving improves texture and flavor. Substitute turkey bacon for leaner option or omit bacon and add smoked paprika for vegetarian version. Use gluten-free ketchup and Worcestershire sauce for gluten-free meal.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/cozy-brown-sugar-baked-beans-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-easy-and-delicious/