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Cozy Brown Sugar Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe with Smoky Bacon

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A warm and comforting baked beans recipe featuring sweet brown sugar, mellow bourbon, and smoky thick-cut bacon. Perfect for BBQs and gatherings, this dish offers a rich, sticky sauce and tender beans with a satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern Beans or Navy Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste (about ½ tsp, adjust depending on bacon saltiness)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon bits to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thick and glossy.
  5. Pour in the bourbon carefully (it might flame up a bit). Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol and concentrate the flavors.
  6. Stir in the drained beans and ½ cup (120 ml) water or chicken broth. Mix well to coat beans with the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Fold the crispy bacon bits back into the bean mixture.
  8. Transfer the Dutch oven (or cover your skillet tightly with foil) to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring once halfway through. The sauce should thicken, and beans will be tender but not mushy.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of water. If too thin, simmer on stovetop a few minutes to reduce.

Notes

Keep an eye on the beans after an hour to prevent sticking; add water if needed. Browning the bacon first is essential for flavor. When adding bourbon, be cautious of flames. For less sweetness, reduce brown sugar or add more vinegar. Beans should be tender but not mushy. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bourbon baked beans, brown sugar baked beans, smoky bacon, BBQ side dish, comfort food, easy baked beans, bourbon recipe

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