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Savory Baked Beans with Bacon and Brown Sugar

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A straightforward and satisfying baked beans recipe combining smoky bacon and caramelized brown sugar, perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) Navy Beans or Great Northern Beans
  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add the finely chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  5. Drain and rinse the canned beans. Gently fold the beans into the skillet with onions and garlic. Pour the sauce mixture over the beans and stir carefully to coat without mashing the beans.
  6. Transfer the bean mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces evenly over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and thickened with a caramelized glaze.
  8. Let the beans rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best texture. Rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium and canned taste. Adjust Dijon mustard and smoked paprika to taste for desired tanginess and smokiness. For a crispy top, bake a few minutes longer but watch closely to avoid burning. If sauce is too thick after baking, stir in a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/savory-baked-beans-with-bacon-and-brown-sugar-easy-homemade-recipe/