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Cozy Baked Beans with Brown Sugar and Crispy Bacon

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A comforting baked beans recipe featuring smoky crispy bacon and sweet brown sugar, slow-cooked to create a rich, hearty dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) dry navy beans or Great Northern beans
  • About 6 cups (1.4 liters) water for soaking and cooking
  • 8 oz (225 g) thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth for baking

Instructions

  1. Soak the beans: Place 1 lb dry navy beans in a large bowl and cover with about 6 cups cold water. Soak overnight or at least 8 hours. For quick soak, boil beans and water for 2 minutes, remove from heat, and let sit 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
  2. Cook the beans: Transfer soaked beans to a large pot, cover with fresh water (about 6 cups), bring to a gentle boil, then simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pan.
  4. Sauté aromatics: In the skillet with bacon fat, cook chopped onion over medium heat until translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
  5. Combine ingredients: In a Dutch oven or oven-safe casserole, combine cooked beans, sautéed onion and garlic, crispy bacon, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently.
  6. Add liquid: Pour in ½ cup water or chicken broth and stir to combine.
  7. Bake low and slow: Cover with lid or foil and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Add water or broth if it looks dry. Beans should be soft and sauce thick and glossy.
  8. Final taste and adjust: After baking, taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more brown sugar if desired. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Soaking beans overnight improves texture and reduces cooking time. Cook bacon separately for best crispiness and flavor. Stir beans every 30 minutes during baking to prevent sticking. For thicker sauce, bake uncovered last 10-15 minutes. Adjust seasoning after baking. Leftovers taste better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, brown sugar, crispy bacon, comfort food, slow cooked beans, easy baked beans, potluck recipe, barbecue side dish

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/cozy-baked-beans-with-brown-sugar-and-crispy-bacon-recipe-easy-and-best/