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Classic Southern Baked Beans with Bacon

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A smoky, sweet, and rich Southern baked beans recipe featuring tender navy beans slow-cooked with crispy bacon and a perfectly balanced sauce of molasses and brown sugar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried navy beans (or 4 cans, drained and rinsed for shortcut)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups water or broth

Instructions

  1. If using dried navy beans, rinse them well, then soak in cold water overnight or for at least 8 hours. If using canned beans, skip this step.
  2. Drain soaked beans, place in a large pot or Dutch oven, cover with fresh water about 2 inches above beans, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently until beans are tender but not falling apart, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Add more water if needed.
  3. Chop bacon into bite-sized pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp and fat renders out, about 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon fat in the pan.
  4. In the same skillet with bacon fat, add diced onion and cook until translucent and golden, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  5. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until sugar is mostly dissolved.
  6. Once beans are tender, drain any excess water but leave about 1/2 cup liquid. Stir in sautéed onions and garlic, cooked bacon pieces (reserve some for topping), and the sauce mixture. Mix gently to coat beans without mashing.
  7. Pour the bean mixture into a prepared 8×8-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle reserved bacon pieces on top.
  8. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes until sauce thickens and bubbles and edges caramelize slightly.
  9. Let beans cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

If beans seem dry during baking, add a splash of water or broth. For extra kick, add hot sauce before serving. Vegetarian version: omit bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke, sauté onions in olive oil. Slow cooker adaptation: cook all ingredients on low for 3-4 hours after beans are cooked. Canned beans reduce cooking time and baking time to 30-40 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, southern recipe, bacon, comfort food, molasses, brown sugar, BBQ side dish

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/classic-southern-baked-beans-with-bacon-easy-homemade-sweet-recipe/