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Savory Bourbon Bacon Baked Beans

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A smoky, rich baked beans recipe featuring bourbon and crispy bacon for a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) navy or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped (Applewood smoked preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup bourbon (about 120 ml)
  • 1/4 cup molasses (60 ml)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed, about 25 g)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
  2. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together bourbon, molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Mix well until sugar dissolves.
  4. In a large oven-safe baking dish or Dutch oven, add the drained beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onions, and garlic. Pour the bourbon sauce over the top and gently stir to combine evenly.
  5. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Cover the baking dish with a lid or foil and bake for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  6. Remove the cover and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the sauce caramelize slightly on top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Let the beans sit for 5 minutes after baking to thicken further. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or tamari. To skip alcohol, substitute bourbon with apple cider but flavor will be milder. If sauce is too thick after baking, stir in a splash of water or broth. The dish can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor and reheats well. Crisp bacon well for best smokiness. Avoid overly soft ‘soup beans’ for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bourbon, bacon, smoky, easy side dish, comfort food, BBQ side, savory beans

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/savory-bourbon-bacon-baked-beans-recipe-easy-smoky-richness/