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Crispy Dutch Oven Baked Beans Recipe with Caramelized Onions

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A cozy and flavorful baked beans recipe featuring caramelized onions and a crispy crust made in a Dutch oven. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups dried navy beans, soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 6 slices bacon, diced
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 ½ cups dried navy beans and soak them overnight in cold water, covering by at least 2 inches. For a quick soak, bring them to a boil in water for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally for 30-40 minutes until they turn golden brown and sweetly fragrant.
  3. Add diced bacon to the onions and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  4. Add minced garlic to the bacon fat and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  5. Return the drained beans to the pot along with the cooked bacon. Stir in molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Add 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover with the lid slightly ajar, and cook on low heat for 60-75 minutes until beans are tender and sauce thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the Dutch oven uncovered to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges and top develop a crispy, caramelized crust. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Remove from oven and let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use good-quality smoked bacon for best flavor. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika and liquid smoke. Soaking beans overnight is best for texture. Watch the beans carefully during baking to avoid burning the crispy crust. Leftovers reheat best on stovetop or oven to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, Dutch oven, caramelized onions, crispy beans, comfort food, navy beans, smoky bacon, easy recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/crispy-dutch-oven-baked-beans-recipe-with-caramelized-onions-easy-and-perfect/