Print

Cozy Bourbon Brown Sugar Baked Beans Recipe with Thick-Cut Bacon

bourbon brown sugar baked beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich and comforting baked beans recipe featuring navy beans, thick-cut bacon, brown sugar, and bourbon for a smoky, sweet, and warm flavor perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried navy beans (about 450g), soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (100g), packed
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (60ml)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 cups chicken broth (720ml) or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Soak the dried navy beans in a large bowl covered with water by at least 2 inches overnight (8-12 hours) or quick-soak by boiling for 2 minutes then soaking for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  3. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped thick-cut bacon until crispy and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
  4. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  6. Carefully pour in the bourbon to deglaze the pot, stirring and scraping browned bits from the bottom.
  7. Return drained beans and cooked bacon to the pot. Add chicken broth, cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  8. Cover the pot with a lid and bake in the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours until beans are tender and sauce thickens. Stir gently every 30 minutes and add broth if the mixture looks too dry.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional brown sugar if desired. The sauce should be sticky but not syrupy.
  10. Let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Do not drain bacon fat before sautéing onions and garlic as it adds flavor. Stir beans gently every 30 minutes during baking to prevent sticking. For gluten-free, verify Worcestershire sauce or substitute with tamari. Vegetarian version omits bacon and Worcestershire sauce, adding extra smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Leftovers taste better after a day. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to loosen sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bourbon baked beans, brown sugar baked beans, thick-cut bacon, comfort food, barbecue side dish, easy baked beans, smoky baked beans

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/cozy-bourbon-brown-sugar-baked-beans-recipe-with-thick-cut-bacon-easy-and-delicious/