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Flavorful Brown Sugar Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe with Crispy Bacon

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A rich and comforting baked beans recipe featuring brown sugar sweetness, a subtle bourbon kick, and crispy bacon, perfect for gatherings and cozy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups canned navy beans, drained (about 2 cans)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 8–10 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain and crumble once cool. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Add chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the brown sugar partially dissolves.
  5. Drain the canned beans and add them to the skillet with onions and garlic. Pour the sauce over and gently fold everything together, being careful not to mash the beans.
  6. Transfer the bean mixture to an oven-safe baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled crispy bacon over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles and the bacon gets extra crispy. If it looks too dry, splash a bit of reserved bean liquid or water.
  8. Let the beans rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and flavors to develop.

Notes

Start bacon in a cold pan for crispiness and less splatter. Add bourbon off the heat to avoid flaming. Avoid overcooking garlic to prevent bitterness. Do not mash beans to keep texture. If beans get too thick during baking, add water or broth. Stir gently halfway through baking to distribute heat and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bourbon baked beans, brown sugar baked beans, bacon baked beans, southern side dish, easy baked beans, barbecue side

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/flavorful-brown-sugar-bourbon-baked-beans-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-easy-and-perfect/