Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cooking Notes
- Variations
- Keto and Low-Carb Versions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Nothing says Southern comfort food quite like a pan of Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon. This recipe is a perfect combination of tender beans, savory bacon, and a balance of sweet and smoky flavors. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish for a backyard barbecue or as a comforting addition to a Sunday dinner, these baked beans are always a crowd-pleaser.
What makes these beans stand out is the rich depth of flavor that comes from slow-cooking them with crispy bacon, onion, brown sugar, and a touch of molasses. The result is a thick, hearty, and utterly satisfying dish that everyone will love. And the best part? It’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance.
Let’s dive into this recipe and create a batch of Southern-style baked beans that will steal the show at your next gathering!
Ingredients
For the Baked Beans:
- 4 cups cooked white beans (such as Great Northern or navy beans) – you can also use canned beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite brand or make your own)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (optional, for desired consistency)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave a little bacon grease in the pot for flavor.
2. Sauté the Onion
In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion to the bacon grease and sauté over medium heat until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Mix the Sauce
Add the ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves, and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add the Beans
Add the cooked or canned beans to the pot. Stir well to coat the beans in the sauce mixture. If the beans look too thick, you can add a bit of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
5. Simmer the Beans
Reduce the heat to low and allow the beans to simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
6. Add the Bacon
Once the beans have thickened and are simmering nicely, stir in the cooked bacon. Continue to simmer the beans for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the bacon to infuse its flavor into the beans.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar, if needed. You can also add more brown sugar or molasses for extra sweetness if desired.
8. Garnish and Serve
Once the beans are fully cooked and flavorful, transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Notes
- Beans: If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook according to package instructions. If using canned beans, make sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium.
- Bacon: For extra flavor, use thick-cut bacon. You can also substitute with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Sauce: The combination of ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and molasses creates a rich, sweet, and tangy sauce. If you like it spicier, add a dash of hot sauce or chili powder. For a more smoky flavor, you can increase the smoked paprika or add a bit of liquid smoke.
- Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, you can prepare the beans in a slow cooker. After cooking the bacon and sautéing the onion, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Make-Ahead: Baked beans taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can make them a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use vegetarian bacon or smoked paprika to add a smoky flavor. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the flavor.
- Spicy Baked Beans: For a kick of heat, add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili flakes to the sauce mixture. You can also stir in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper for an extra spicy twist.
- Maple Baked Beans: For a unique twist, replace the molasses with maple syrup. The maple syrup adds a sweet, earthy flavor that pairs well with the beans and bacon.
- BBQ Baked Beans: Add more barbecue sauce for a stronger BBQ flavor. You can even mix in some pulled pork or chicken for a heartier version.
- Southern-Style Baked Beans: Stir in a bit of yellow mustard or pickle relish for a tangy twist that’s common in some Southern-style baked beans recipes.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Traditional baked beans are relatively high in carbohydrates, primarily due to the beans and sugars in the sauce. However, you can make a keto-friendly version with the following adjustments:
- Beans: Replace the traditional beans with low-carb beans like black soybeans or green beans. These options are much lower in carbs but still provide a similar texture.
- Sugar Substitute: Instead of using brown sugar, replace it with erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-carb alternative.
- Keto-Friendly BBQ Sauce: Ensure the barbecue sauce you use is sugar-free or make your own using a low-carb ketchup as the base.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, baked beans are an excellent make-ahead dish. You can prepare them the day before, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat them when ready to serve. The flavors will actually improve the next day!
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Absolutely! Canned beans are a convenient option. Simply drain and rinse them well before adding them to the recipe. If using canned beans, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as they are already cooked.
How do I store leftover baked beans?
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! After cooking the bacon and sautéing the onion, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method allows the flavors to develop over time, creating an even more flavorful dish.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a lighter alternative to regular bacon. It will still provide some of the smoky flavor, though it won’t be as rich as pork bacon.
These Southern Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon are the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. With the richness of bacon and the tanginess of barbecue sauce, they’re a guaranteed hit at any party or family meal. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, and you can tweak the flavors to suit your tastes.
Whether you make them ahead of time or whip them up fresh, these baked beans will become your go-to side dish for any occasion. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor!
Try this recipe today, and get ready for compliments
Let me know if you’d like any adjustments or additional details
