Baked Beans with Bacon: A Mouthwatering Recipe for Your Next Get-Together
This recipe elevates the classic baked beans to a whole new level with the smoky, savory goodness of bacon. It's perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb bacon, diced (center-cut is recommended for less shrinkage)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tbsp molasses (unsulphured is best for flavor)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 (28 ounce) can of baked beans (your favorite brand will do!)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
- Optional: 1/4 cup ketchup for extra sweetness and tang.
Instructions for Baked Bean Perfection:
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Prepare the Bacon: In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pot.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook in the bacon grease until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is fragrant.
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Combine Everything: Add the canned baked beans, chicken broth (or beef broth), and optional ketchup to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the pot in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for at least 1 hour, or up to 1.5 hours, until the beans are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir halfway through for even cooking.
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Crisp It Up (Optional): During the last 15 minutes of baking, sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the top of the beans. This adds a wonderful textural element and extra bacon flavor!
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked beans hot, garnished with extra bacon if desired. They’re delicious served alongside grilled meats, cornbread, or your favorite barbecue sides.
Tips and Variations for Amazing Baked Beans:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Smoky Flavor Boost: Use liquid smoke for an enhanced smoky flavor. A teaspoon or two should suffice.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Slow Cooker Magic: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
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