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Cozy Brown Sugar Bourbon Baked Beans Slow Cooker Recipe Easy Perfect Side Dish

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A comforting slow cooker baked beans recipe featuring brown sugar and bourbon for a sweet and smoky flavor. Perfect as an easy side dish for cozy gatherings and casual meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) dry navy beans, soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 4 cups (950ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar (dark or light)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) bourbon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (200g) dry navy beans under cold water, then soak overnight in a large bowl with enough water to cover by 2 inches (5 cm). For a quick soak, boil beans in water for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 4 slices of chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add 1 medium chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning.
  4. Add the soaked and drained beans to the slow cooker. Pour in 4 cups (950ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth. Add the cooked onion and garlic mixture, 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, 1/4 cup (60ml) bourbon, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to mix everything evenly.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The beans should be tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally if possible during cooking.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the crispy bacon and season with salt to taste.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the beans seem too thick, stir in a splash of water or broth. If too thin, remove the lid and cook on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
  8. Serve warm, spooned into bowls or directly from the slow cooker.

Notes

For vegetarian version, skip bacon and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika and liquid smoke for smoky flavor. Adding salt late prevents toughening beans. Use canned beans to reduce cooking time. A dash of hot sauce at the end adds a nice kick. Avoid stirring vigorously to keep beans intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, slow cooker, bourbon, brown sugar, easy side dish, comfort food, navy beans, smoky, sweet

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/cozy-brown-sugar-bourbon-baked-beans-slow-cooker-recipe-easy-perfect-side-dish/