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Savory Smoky Bacon Baked Beans Recipe with Sweet Brown Sugar Glaze

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A hearty and flavorful baked beans recipe featuring smoky bacon and a sweet, caramelized brown sugar glaze. Perfect for summer cookouts and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 3 cans (15 oz each) navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste (start with ½ teaspoon)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water or broth
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Optional: smoked tempeh instead of bacon for vegetarian version

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp, about 8–10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon bits, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent, around 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to deepen the flavors.
  5. In a large bowl, combine drained beans, cooked bacon, and the onion mixture. Stir in the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and water or broth. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  6. Pour the bean mixture into your oven-safe dish or Dutch oven. Spread evenly.
  7. Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through. The glaze should thicken and become sticky, coating the beans beautifully.
  8. After baking, taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. If the glaze is too thick, stir in a splash more water or broth.
  9. Let the beans cool for 5 minutes before serving to help the flavors settle and the glaze set perfectly.

Notes

For an even smokier flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke with the spices. Stir halfway through baking to prevent drying and ensure even glaze coating. Use packed brown sugar for the best caramelized glaze. Drain beans well to avoid watery glaze. Leftovers taste better after a day or two. Can be made vegetarian by substituting smoked tempeh and vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, smoky bacon, brown sugar glaze, BBQ side dish, summer cookout, easy baked beans, savory beans

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/savory-smoky-bacon-baked-beans-recipe-with-sweet-brown-sugar-glaze/