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Savory Brown Sugar Baked Beans Recipe with Crispy Bacon

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A warm, comforting side dish combining the sweetness of brown sugar with smoky crispy bacon and tender baked beans. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (28 oz / 794 g each) baked beans (preferably Bush’s Best)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup (65 g) brown sugar, packed (dark brown sugar preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces once cool.
  3. Pour off most of the bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine baked beans, sautéed onion and garlic, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend flavors.
  6. Fold in most of the chopped bacon, reserving a small handful for topping.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the reserved bacon pieces on top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
  9. At around 25 minutes, stir the beans gently to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking.
  10. Let the baked beans rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken and meld flavors.

Notes

Cook bacon low and slow for perfect crispiness. Reserve some bacon for topping to add extra crunch. Stir beans halfway through baking to avoid drying out. Use a sturdy baking dish for even cooking. Let beans rest after baking to thicken and meld flavors. For gluten-free, verify Worcestershire sauce or substitute with coconut aminos. Vegetarian version: omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, brown sugar, bacon, savory, easy recipe, comfort food, side dish, barbecue, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/savory-brown-sugar-baked-beans-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-easy-and-delicious/