Baked Beans with Bacon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bacon:

Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the bacon until it becomes crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes, depending on your stove. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces and set it aside.

2. Cook the Onions and Garlic:

Using the leftover bacon fat in the skillet (or adding a little olive oil if needed), sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until it’s soft and translucent. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be sure not to burn the garlic!

3. Combine the Beans:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the baked beans (drained if you’re using canned beans) with the cooked onions and garlic. Add the brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

4. Add the Bacon:

Stir the crumbled bacon into the bean mixture, reserving a small amount to sprinkle on top for garnish if you’d like.

5. Bake the Beans:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the bean mixture into a baking dish (about 9×9 inches or similar size). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. The beans should be bubbly and hot.

6. Optional: Add a Crispy Topping:

If you’d like a crispy topping, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. This will allow the top of the beans to become slightly caramelized and crispy around the edges.

7. Serve and Garnish:

After baking, remove the beans from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle any remaining crumbled bacon on top for a garnish and a little extra crunch. Optionally, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Baked Beans with Bacon:

• Customize the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, increase the brown sugar or add a splash of maple syrup.
• Smoky flavor: If you’re using regular bacon, consider adding a touch more smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for extra depth.
• Add heat: For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the bean mixture.
• Use homemade beans: If you prefer making your beans from scratch, you can cook dried beans and add them to this recipe instead of using canned beans.

Why You’ll Love Baked Beans with Bacon:

This dish combines all the best flavors—smoky, savory, sweet, and a little tangy—all in one pot. The bacon adds that perfect touch of crunch and smokiness, while the beans absorb all the delicious seasonings. It’s a comfort food that’s perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, burgers, or even as a main course for a meatless dinner.

Plus, baked beans with bacon are incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasonings to match your taste preferences, making them as sweet, smoky, or tangy as you like.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a side dish at a BBQ or picnic with grilled chicken, burgers, or ribs.
• Enjoy alongside cornbread for a classic Southern-inspired meal.
• Top with a fried egg for a unique twist on breakfast or brunch.

Final Thoughts:

This Baked Beans with Bacon recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. It’s easy to make, incredibly tasty, and can be customized to suit your flavor preferences. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or simply enjoying it as a weeknight dinner, this dish is bound to become a new favorite!

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your thoughts.