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Savory Brown Sugar Bourbon Baked Beans with Smoked Bacon

brown sugar bourbon baked beans - featured image
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A comforting side dish featuring a perfect balance of smoky bacon, sweet brown sugar, and a subtle warmth from bourbon. Easy to make and perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried Great Northern beans, soaked overnight (or 4 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 6 slices smoked bacon, chopped (or substitute smoked sausage)
  • 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (e.g., Buffalo Trace)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 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
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. If using dried beans, soak 2 cups in plenty of cold water overnight (about 8 hours). Drain and rinse before cooking. If using canned beans, drain and rinse well.
  2. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped smoked bacon for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  3. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  5. Pour in 1/4 cup bourbon, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift browned bits. Simmer for about 2 minutes to cook off some alcohol.
  6. Add soaked or canned beans back into the pot. Pour in 2 cups water or broth and stir to combine.
  7. Add apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and salt to taste. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
  8. Stir cooked bacon back into the beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm through.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Notes

Soak dried beans overnight or quick-soak by boiling for 2 minutes and resting for 1 hour. Do not drain bacon fat after cooking; it adds flavor. Keep heat low during simmering and stir every 15 minutes to prevent burning. Add bourbon carefully and simmer to mellow alcohol taste. Add bacon near the end to keep it crispy. If beans dry out, add more water or broth. Use a heavy pot like a Dutch oven for best caramelization. For gluten-free, verify Worcestershire sauce and broth. Vegetarian version omits bacon and bourbon, uses smoked paprika and liquid smoke.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bourbon baked beans, smoked bacon, brown sugar baked beans, comfort food, barbecue side dish, easy baked beans

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/savory-brown-sugar-bourbon-baked-beans-with-smoked-bacon-recipe-made-easy/