Baked Beans with Bacon: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Baked Beans with Bacon: Is there anything more comforting than a bubbling pot of sweet, smoky, and savory beans, especially when kissed with the salty goodness of bacon? I think not! This humble dish, a staple at barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings, has a rich history that stretches back centuries, evolving from simple Native American preparations to the beloved version we know and adore today.

The story of baked beans begins long before the arrival of European settlers in North America. Indigenous peoples were already slow-cooking beans with maple syrup and bear fat, creating a nourishing and flavorful meal. When colonists arrived, they adapted the recipe, using molasses and salt pork, and slow-cooking the beans in earthenware pots buried in the ground. This method, perfected over generations, gave rise to the Boston Baked Beans we often associate with New England.

But what makes Baked Beans with Bacon so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and flavors. The tender, creamy beans, the sweet tang of molasses, the smoky depth of bacon, and the subtle hint of spices all come together in a symphony of deliciousness. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! You can easily prepare a large batch ahead of time, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, let’s get cooking and create some magic in the kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed
• 8 cups water, plus more for soaking
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Soaking the Beans:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is soak those navy beans. This is a crucial step because it helps them cook more evenly and reduces the cooking time 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 soak them 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 impurities that were released during the soaking process.

Preparing the Bacon and Aromatics:

Now that the beans are prepped, let’s move on to the bacon and aromatics. This is where the flavor really starts to build, and your kitchen will start smelling amazing!

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (this is my preferred method!), cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Be patient and let the bacon render its fat – that’s where a lot of the flavor comes from.
2. Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot – we’ll use this to sauté the onion and garlic. If you have more than 2 tablespoons, pour off the excess.
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 it from burning.
4. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Combining and Baking:

Alright, we’re getting closer! Now it’s time to combine all the ingredients and let the magic happen in the oven. This is where the flavors meld together and create that classic baked bean taste we all love.

1. Add the drained and rinsed navy beans to the pot with the onion and garlic.
2. Pour in 8 cups of water. Make sure the beans are completely submerged.
3. Stir in the molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper (if using).
4. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that the bacon is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and adjust as needed.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C).
7. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Check the beans periodically and add more water if needed to keep them submerged. The cooking time will vary depending on the age and type of beans, so be patient and keep an eye on them.
8. During the last 30 minutes of baking, stir in the cooked bacon. This will allow the bacon to rehydrate slightly and infuse its flavor into the beans.
9. Once the beans are tender and the sauce is thick and glossy, remove the pot from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize your baked beans:

• Type of Beans: While navy beans are the classic choice, you can also use other types of beans, such as Great Northern beans, cannellini beans, or even pinto beans. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of bean you use.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of molasses and brown sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amounts slightly. You can also use maple syrup or honey as a substitute for brown sugar.
• Spice Level: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beans. You can also use a spicier type of mustard, such as Creole mustard.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add some smoked paprika to give the beans a smoky flavor.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can also make these baked beans in a slow cooker. After sautéing the onion and garlic, transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the beans, such as diced bell peppers, celery, or carrots. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
• Storage: Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions:

These baked beans are delicious on their own, but they’re also a great side dish for:

• Barbecue ribs
• Pulled pork sandwiches
• Grilled hamburgers
• Hot dogs
• Cornbread

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for baked beans with bacon! It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These aren’t just any baked beans; they’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen. The smoky bacon, the sweet molasses, and the tangy mustard all come together in perfect harmony 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 for anyone who appreciates good, old-fashioned home cooking. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or even a cozy weeknight dinner.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the depth of flavor, plain and simple. We’re not just opening a can of beans here; we’re building layers of deliciousness. The bacon renders its savory fat, infusing the beans with a smoky richness that you just can’t get any other way. The molasses adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the saltiness of the bacon and the tanginess of the mustard. And the slow baking process allows all those flavors to meld together, creating a truly unforgettable dish.

Looking for serving suggestions? These baked beans are incredibly versatile! They’re fantastic as a side dish with grilled burgers, hot dogs, or ribs. They’re also amazing served alongside cornbread or biscuits for a hearty and satisfying meal. For a vegetarian option, you can easily omit the bacon and add a tablespoon of smoked paprika to achieve a similar smoky flavor. You could also add other vegetables like diced onions, bell peppers, or even a can of diced tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.

Want to take things to the next level? Consider adding a splash of your favorite barbecue sauce during the last hour of baking. Or, for a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. You could even experiment with different types of beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or even a mixture of different beans. The possibilities are endless!

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and always a hit with family and friends. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the best baked beans you’ve ever tasted. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and discover the magic of homemade Baked Beans with Bacon.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!