Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans

Baked beans are a beloved staple at summer barbecues and cookouts, and they’re incredibly easy to prepare from scratch! Instead of grabbing a can of pre-seasoned beans filled with preservatives, try making these delicious brown sugar and bacon baked beans. Your taste buds will definitely thank you.

This recipe is a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors, thanks to the sautéed onions and peppers, brown sugar, molasses, and of course, bacon. You can cook the bacon any way you prefer; you’ll need about 10 strips. Personally, I like to bake mine, as I find frying a bit testing on my patience. I season my bacon with pepper, chili powder, dried rosemary, and brown sugar—my signature bacon seasoning that’s absolutely addictive!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These brown sugar and bacon baked beans are the perfect mix of flavors, making them a fantastic addition to any meal. They’re easy to prepare and use simple ingredients you likely already have. Plus, they make a great side dish or can even stand alone as a main course!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Deep skillet
• 13×9 baking dish
• Oven
• Paper towels

Ingredients

• 10 slices bacon, halved
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 54 oz can pork and beans or equivalent number of smaller cans
• 4 Tbsp ketchup
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 2 tsp dry mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook bacon about halfway through using your preferred method, and set aside to drain on a paper towel.
2. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and position the rack to the lower-middle level.
3. In a deep skillet, heat about 2 Tbsp of bacon grease (or butter) over medium heat. Add diced onion and green pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. Add the remaining ingredients to the skillet and stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a minute or so.
5. While the mixture is simmering, grease a 13×9 baking dish.
6. Pour the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish and lay the cooked bacon on top.
7. Bake for 2-3 hours, depending on your desired consistency.
8. Let the beans stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• For extra flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the bean mixture.
• If you prefer your beans sweeter, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.
• Adjust the baking time for thicker or thinner consistency, based on your preference.

Additional Tips or Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of bacon or even add some cooked sausage for an extra meaty twist. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use a vegetarian-friendly substitute.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

These baked beans are a great source of protein and fiber, thanks to the beans and bacon. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals from the onions and peppers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the beans a day in advance and bake them before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even more.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

These brown sugar and bacon baked beans are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. They’re simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out. I’d love to hear about your experience and any variations you might have tried!