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Cozy Southern-Style Baked Beans Recipe with Brown Sugar and Bacon Made Easy

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A comforting Southern-style baked beans recipe featuring smoky bacon and sweet brown sugar, slow-baked to tender perfection. Perfect as a side for barbecues or hearty meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups Great Northern Beans or Navy Beans (about 14 oz), soaked overnight or canned
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped (preferably thick-cut)
  • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth (8 fl oz)

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, soak 2 cups overnight in plenty of cold water (about 8 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking. If using canned beans, drain and rinse thoroughly.
  2. Cook soaked beans in a large pot covered with fresh water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 45-60 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside. Skip if using canned beans.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
  4. Add diced onion to the skillet with bacon fat and cook over medium heat until translucent and soft, about 5-6 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  6. In an oven-safe baking dish or Dutch oven, combine cooked beans, sautéed onions and garlic, cooked bacon (reserve some for garnish if desired), and the sauce mixture. Pour in water or chicken broth and stir gently to combine.
  7. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake for about 2 hours. Stir gently halfway through baking. Add a splash of water or broth if beans look dry.
  8. Remove cover and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce. Sprinkle reserved bacon pieces on top before serving.

Notes

Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor. Soaking dried beans overnight is important for even cooking and better texture. Stir halfway through baking to prevent sticking and add moisture if needed. Adjust sweetness or tanginess after baking with extra vinegar, mustard, or brown sugar. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Slow baking at low temperature prevents burning and tough beans.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, southern style, brown sugar, bacon, slow baked, comfort food, barbecue side, easy recipe

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/cozy-southern-style-baked-beans-recipe-with-brown-sugar-and-bacon-made-easy/