Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans: A Comfort Food Classic
There’s something timeless about the combination of brown sugar and bacon in a rich, savory baked bean dish. This recipe brings together the smoky flavor of bacon, the sweetness of brown sugar and molasses, and the tanginess of cider vinegar to create a hearty side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a potluck, or a cozy family dinner, these baked beans are sure to be a hit.
The first time I made this dish, it was for a Fourth of July picnic. I remember the satisfaction of watching everyone dig into the beans with relish, their plates heaping with all the classic cookout staples. The slow baking process allows all the flavors to meld together, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients
10 slices bacon, diced
1 yellow onion, finely diced
1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
54 oz can pork and beans or 4 (15.5 oz each) cans
4 Tbsp ketchup
1/4 cup molasses
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tsp dry mustard
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
- Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon until it’s about halfway done. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven, or even in the microwave if you prefer. The bacon should be starting to crisp but still pliable. Once cooked, set it aside to drain on a paper towel. When cooled, roughly chop the bacon into semi-bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Set the oven rack to the lower-middle position to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a deep skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease (or butter if you prefer) over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
- Mix the Ingredients: Add the pork and beans to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and dry mustard. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer for a minute or so to meld the flavors together.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Grease the Baking Dish: While the bean mixture is simmering, grease a 13×9-inch baking dish or any other 3-quart dish or pot that you have. This will prevent the beans from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 6: Bake the Beans
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the chopped, partially cooked bacon over the top of the beans.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 2-3 hours. The longer you bake, the thicker and more concentrated the flavors will become. For a saucier consistency, aim for the shorter end of the baking time. For thicker, more caramelized beans, bake longer.
Step 7: Serve the Beans
- Let Cool: Once the beans are done to your desired consistency, remove them from the oven and let them stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes the beans easier to serve.
- Serve: Spoon the beans into serving bowls or directly onto plates as a side dish. These beans pair perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a larger spread for any gathering.
Variations and Tips
Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a vegetarian pork and beans or baked beans as the base. You can add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor of the bacon.
Spicier Version: For those who like a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the bean mixture.
Sweeter Beans: If you prefer your beans on the sweeter side, increase the amount of brown sugar to 3/4 cup and add an extra tablespoon of molasses.
Different Beans: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans such as kidney beans, navy beans, or pinto beans. Just make sure they are fully cooked before using them in this recipe.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans are a quintessential comfort food that combines the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The smoky bacon, rich molasses, and tangy vinegar come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and delicious. Whether you’re serving them at a family barbecue or enjoying them as a cozy weeknight side, these baked beans are sure to please.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With a few basic ingredients and some time in the oven, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, the ability to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences makes it even more appealing. Enjoy this classic dish and savor every bite!
