Baked Beans with Bacon: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Baked Beans with Bacon: the ultimate comfort food that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make! Forget the canned stuff – we’re diving headfirst into a homemade version that will redefine your understanding of this classic dish. Imagine tender, plump beans simmered in a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce, punctuated by the salty, crispy goodness of bacon. Are you drooling yet?

Baked beans have a fascinating history, evolving from Native American recipes using beans, maple syrup, and bear fat to the versions we know and love today. They became a staple in colonial New England, often baked slowly in brick ovens for hours, a tradition that speaks to their enduring appeal as a hearty and economical meal. The addition of bacon, of course, elevates the flavor profile to a whole new level!

What’s not to love? Baked Beans with Bacon offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The beans are soft and yielding, the sauce is thick and luscious, and the bacon provides a delightful crispy contrast. This dish is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can adjust the sweetness, smokiness, and spice levels to suit your personal preferences. So, let’s get cooking and create a batch of baked beans that will have everyone asking for seconds!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed
• 8 cups water, plus more for soaking
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Soaking the Beans:

Okay, first things first, we need to get those navy beans nice and plump. This soaking step is crucial for even cooking and helps reduce, shall we say, *unpleasant* side effects later on. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!

1. Place the rinsed navy beans in a large bowl or pot.
2. Cover the beans with at least 8 cups of cold water. Make sure the water level is well above the beans, as they will absorb a lot of it.
3. Let the beans soak for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. I usually do this before I go to bed so they’re ready to go in the morning.
4. After soaking, drain the beans in a colander and rinse them thoroughly with fresh water. This helps remove any lingering impurities.

Cooking the Beans:

Now that our beans are all nice and soaked, it’s time to cook them until they’re tender. This part takes a little time, but it’s mostly hands-off, so you can get other things done while they simmer away.

1. Place the drained and rinsed beans in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Add 8 cups of fresh water to the pot. The water should cover the beans by about an inch or two.
3. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. You want them to hold their shape but be easily pierced with a fork. Check them periodically and add more water if needed to keep them covered.
5. While the beans are simmering, you can start preparing the other ingredients. This will save you time later on.
6. Once the beans are cooked, drain them in a colander, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Don’t throw that liquid away! It’s full of flavor and will add richness to the final dish.

Preparing the Bacon and Onions:

This is where the magic happens! The bacon and onions form the flavor base for our baked beans, and the aroma alone will make your mouth water.

1. In the same pot or Dutch oven (after you’ve drained the beans, of course!), cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. We want to keep that delicious bacon fat in the pot, though!
3. Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until it’s softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. If there’s an excessive amount of bacon fat in the pot (more than a couple of tablespoons), you can drain some of it off. But don’t get rid of it all! It’s what gives the beans their amazing flavor.

Combining and Baking:

Now for the grand finale! We’re going to combine all the ingredients and let them bake together until they’re thick, bubbly, and bursting with flavor.

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Add the cooked beans back to the pot with the onions and bacon fat.
3. Stir in the brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, dry mustard, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt.
4. Pour in the reserved bean cooking liquid (about 1 cup).
5. Stir everything together well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Add the cooked bacon back to the pot and stir gently to incorporate it into the bean mixture.
7. Cover the pot with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the beans are thick and bubbly and the sauce has reduced. Check the beans periodically and add a little more water or broth if they seem too dry.
9. During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the lid or foil to allow the sauce to thicken and caramelize.
10. Once the beans are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.

Serving Suggestions:

These baked beans are fantastic on their own, but they’re also a great side dish for all sorts of meals. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:

• With grilled hamburgers or hot dogs
• Alongside pulled pork sandwiches
• As part of a barbecue spread
• With cornbread or biscuits
• For breakfast with eggs and toast

Enjoy! I hope you love these baked beans as much as I do. They’re a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These aren’t just any baked beans; they’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen. The smoky bacon, the rich molasses, the tangy mustard – it all comes together to create a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying. I truly believe this recipe for Baked Beans with Bacon is a must-try, and here’s why: it’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve at your next barbecue.

Think about it: the aroma alone will have your family and friends gathering around the table, eager to dig in. And the taste? Oh, the taste! It’s a symphony of sweet, savory, and smoky notes that will leave everyone wanting more. Forget those canned beans – once you’ve tasted these homemade beauties, you’ll never go back.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of bacon – thick-cut, applewood smoked, or even turkey bacon for a lighter option. You could also add a touch of heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and add a tablespoon of smoked paprika to achieve that smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic BBQ Side: Serve these baked beans alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or ribs for the ultimate barbecue feast.
* Breakfast Upgrade: Add a scoop of these beans to your breakfast plate with eggs and toast for a hearty and flavorful start to your day.
* Loaded Baked Potato Topping: Top a baked potato with these beans, shredded cheese, and sour cream for a satisfying and easy meal.
* Chili Starter: Use these beans as a base for your favorite chili recipe, adding ground beef, vegetables, and spices to create a hearty and flavorful dish.
* Campfire Delight: Cook these beans in a Dutch oven over a campfire for a truly authentic and delicious outdoor experience.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! Add your favorite spices, experiment with different types of beans, or even throw in some chopped vegetables for added texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless!

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe for Baked Beans with Bacon that I urge you to try it out as soon as possible. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your recipe collection.

And once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this recipe for Baked Beans with Bacon as much as I do. It’s a true testament to the power of simple ingredients and delicious flavors. So, go ahead, give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!