Description
The BEST baked beans are rich, savory, and slightly sweet, made with bacon, molasses, and Dijon mustard for bold flavor. Perfect as a hearty side for barbecues or comforting meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) navy or white beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside, reserving 1 tbsp bacon fat.
- Sauté onion in reserved bacon fat for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Combine beans, bacon, and sauce in a baking dish. Add water or broth if desired for thinner sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30–40 minutes, stirring halfway. Remove foil last 10 minutes for crispier top.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use a mix of beans for variety.
- Add hot sauce or chili flakes for heat.
- Make vegetarian by skipping bacon and using oil.
- Reheats well and freezes up to 3 months.
- Tastes better the next day as flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
