Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon: A Flavorful Classic
Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon is a quintessential comfort food dish that brings together hearty navy beans, savory bacon, and a rich blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Whether served as a side dish at a summer barbecue or as a comforting meal on a chilly evening, these baked beans are sure to please. Plus, with the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy the delicious aroma of homemade baked beans with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups water or enough to cover the beans
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beans: Rinse the soaked navy beans under cold water and drain them thoroughly.
- Cook the Bacon and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it begins to crisp, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and the bacon is browned.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked bacon and onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add the soaked navy beans, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Pour enough water over the ingredients to cover the beans.
- Cook Slow and Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook the baked beans on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Before serving, taste the baked beans and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or molasses to taste. Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Serve the baked beans hot, garnished with additional chopped bacon or fresh parsley if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Bean Soaking: Soaking the navy beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and ensures they cook evenly. If you’re short on time, you can use the quick soak method by boiling the beans for 1-2 minutes and then letting them soak for an hour.
- Bacon Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use ham hocks, smoked sausage, or even vegetarian bacon as alternatives to traditional bacon in this recipe.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of the baked beans by varying the amounts of molasses and brown sugar. For a richer flavor, you can increase the amounts of both ingredients, or reduce them for a less sweet dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans? A: Yes, you can use canned navy beans if you’re short on time. Simply drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them to the slow cooker. Reduce the cooking time to 2-3 hours on low heat.
Q: How do I store leftover baked beans? A: Allow the baked beans to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the beans in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Q: Can I freeze baked beans? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover baked beans in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For a keto or low-carb version of this recipe, you can substitute the navy beans with low-carb alternatives like black soybeans or kidney beans. Additionally, you can reduce or omit the molasses and brown sugar to lower the carbohydrate content. Increase the amount of bacon and add extra spices like smoked paprika or chili powder for flavor.
Slow Cooker Baked Beans with Bacon is a timeless dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that will please the whole family. Whether served as a side dish or as the main attraction, these baked beans are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.