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Savory Sweet and Smoky Baked Beans Recipe Easy Homemade BBQ Side Dish

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This savory sweet and smoky baked beans recipe is a crowd-pleasing BBQ side dish featuring smoky bacon, sweet molasses, and tangy tomato flavors. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cooked Great Northern Beans or Navy Beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup molasses (blackstrap molasses works well)
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 7-9 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavors.
  5. Stir in 1/4 cup molasses, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine.
  6. Add the cooked beans and crispy bacon to the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything with the sauce mixture.
  7. Pour the entire mixture into a prepared oven-safe baking dish. Add 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth to keep the beans moist during baking.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring every 15-20 minutes. The sauce should thicken and become glossy with bubbling along the edges.
  10. If the beans look too dry before done, add a splash more water or broth. The beans should be tender with a sticky, flavorful glaze.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, swap bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms and use vegetable broth. Add a drop of liquid smoke for smoky flavor. Stir regularly while baking to prevent sticking. Adjust sweetness gradually. Use good quality smoked paprika. Soak dried beans overnight if using instead of canned. Slow cooker adaptation: cook on low for 6-8 hours and add liquid smoke near the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, BBQ side dish, smoky baked beans, sweet baked beans, savory baked beans, homemade baked beans, easy baked beans, potluck recipe

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