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Flavorful Smoked Baked Beans Recipe with Brown Sugar and Bacon

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A smoky, sweet, and savory baked beans recipe featuring brown sugar and thick-cut bacon, perfect for BBQs and family gatherings. This easy recipe delivers tender beans with a sticky-sweet glaze and rich smoky flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (28 oz / 794 g each) navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 oz (170 g) thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) molasses
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped green bell pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) barbecue sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). If using a smoker, set it to a similar temperature with preferred wood chips.
  2. Render the bacon in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until crispy and fat is rendered.
  3. Add chopped onion and garlic to the bacon fat and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add bell pepper if using and cook until slightly softened.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Adjust sweetness or tang to taste.
  5. Combine drained beans, bacon and onion mixture, and sauce in an oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven. Stir gently to coat beans evenly. Stir in barbecue sauce if desired.
  6. If using a smoker, place the casserole dish inside and smoke for 30-45 minutes before baking.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with foil or lid and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. Check occasionally and add water or broth if beans dry out.
  8. Remove cover during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the brown sugar to caramelize and form a glaze.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce and deepen flavors.
  10. Serve warm alongside your favorite mains or as a star dish.

Notes

If you don’t have a smoker, use smoked paprika and/or liquid smoke to mimic smoky flavor. Add a tablespoon or two of water if sauce is too thick before baking. Stir gently to keep beans intact. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and taste better after a day.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked baked beans, baked beans recipe, brown sugar baked beans, bacon baked beans, BBQ side dish, smoky baked beans, easy baked beans

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/flavorful-smoked-baked-beans-recipe-with-brown-sugar-and-bacon-easy-and-perfect/