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Savory Smoked Baked Beans Recipe with Bacon and Brown Sugar

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A comforting side dish featuring smoky bacon, sweet brown sugar, and tender baked beans with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups navy beans or great northern beans (soaked overnight)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon or yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 cups chicken broth or water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 cups of navy beans under cold water. Soak them overnight in a large bowl with enough water to cover by 2 inches (8-12 hours).
  2. Drain the soaked beans and set aside. In a Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
  3. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen flavor and caramelize tomato paste slightly.
  5. Add soaked beans back to the pot along with 4 cups chicken broth or water. Stir in ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender and sauce thickens. Add water or broth if mixture gets too dry.
  7. Stir in crispy bacon pieces and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat if desired. Let beans rest for 10 minutes off heat before serving.

Notes

Soak beans overnight to ensure even cooking and reduce cooking time. Retain about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat for sautéing aromatics to enhance flavor. Stir beans every 15-20 minutes to prevent sticking. Adjust sweetness or tang by adding more brown sugar or vinegar to taste. For thicker sauce, remove lid during last 15 minutes of simmering.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked baked beans, bacon baked beans, brown sugar baked beans, smoky baked beans, easy side dish, barbecue side, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/savory-smoked-baked-beans-recipe-with-bacon-and-brown-sugar-easy-perfect-side-dish/