The Ultimate Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans Recipe

Hearty brown sugar and bacon baked beans can turn any casual meal into a comforting celebration of flavor.

Clusters of smoky, sweet goodness await your taste buds with this classic side dish.

Southern kitchens have long cherished these savory beans as a staple for gatherings.

Crispy bacon bits and caramelized brown sugar create a magical combination that makes people smile.

Rich molasses undertones complement the salty pork perfectly, creating depth in every single bite.

Slow-cooked and carefully seasoned, these beans promise a memorable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t believe how simple ingredients can produce such an incredible dish.

Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans That Delight

• Savor Flavor-Packed Comfort: Indulge in a mouthwatering blend of sweet, smoky, and savory notes that transform classic baked beans into an irresistible side dish bursting with rich flavor profiles.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe to suit personal tastes by adjusting sauce ingredients or bacon crispness, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser for various palates and preferences.
• Perfect Party Companion: Ideal for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings, this dish brings a delicious touch to any casual or celebratory meal with minimal preparation required.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Crispy bacon pieces scattered across the top create a delectable texture contrast and add an extra layer of smoky goodness that elevates the entire dish.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans

Main Ingredients:

• Pork n' Beans: Classic canned beans that form the hearty base of this traditional side dish.

• Ketchup, Barbecue Sauce: Provide a tangy and sweet foundation for the bean sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps create a rich, caramelized flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a complex, savory undertone to the sauce.

• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture to the baked beans.

Supporting Ingredients:

• Mustard, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall depth and complexity of the dish's flavor profile.
• Liquid Smoke: Optional ingredient that provides additional smoky character to the beans.

Optional Enhancement:

• No additional garnish mentioned in the recipe.

How to Prepare Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Sauce

• Ketchup
• Barbecue sauce
• Brown sugar
• Mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Liquid Smoke
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Stir everything until the mixture becomes a smooth, glossy blend that promises incredible taste.

Step 2: Drain and Dress the Beans

Open the cans of pork n’ beans and carefully pour out the excess liquid.

This prevents your dish from becoming soggy. Gently fold the drained beans into the prepared sauce, making sure each bean gets a delicious coating without breaking them apart.

Step 3: Create the Bean Base

Pour the saucy bean mixture into a shallow baking dish. Spread it evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Bacon Topping Magic

Slice the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Scatter these pieces across the top of the beans, slightly crumpling each piece to maximize crispiness during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into an oven preheated to 350°F. Let the beans bake uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the sauce is bubbling and the bacon turns gloriously crisp and golden brown.

Tips to Nail Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans

• Drain beans completely to prevent watery texture and ensure rich, concentrated flavors in the final dish.
• Crumple bacon pieces strategically to maximize crispy edges and enhance overall texture during baking.
• Consider using thick-cut bacon for more robust flavor and crunchier topping that adds substantial texture to the beans.
• Try different types of barbecue sauce to create unique flavor profiles and personalize the recipe to your taste preferences.
• Check beans periodically during baking to prevent burning and ensure perfect caramelization of the sauce and bacon.

Variations on Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans

• Vegetarian Bean Delight: Replace bacon with smoky tempeh strips or crispy coconut bacon for a plant-based version. Use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke to maintain the rich flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Beans: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and a dash of cumin to create a zesty Mexican-inspired variation. Top with chopped cilantro and green onions for extra freshness.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free barbecue sauce and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining the deep, complex flavor of the original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use gluten-free barbecue sauce and verify Worcestershire sauce does not contain wheat-based additives.

Pairing Ideas for Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans

• Pair these rich, sweet baked beans with pulled pork sandwiches for a classic barbecue combo that amplifies the smoky bacon flavor.
• Serve with a crisp, tangy lemonade or citrus-infused iced tea to cut through the heaviness of the beans and provide a bright, refreshing counterpoint.
• Select a full-bodied Zinfandel or a robust Syrah to complement the deep, caramelized notes of the brown sugar and bacon, creating a sophisticated dining experience.
• Add a dollop of cool, creamy coleslaw alongside the beans to balance the warm, sweet, and savory elements of the dish, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Storage Tips for Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled beans to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor quality.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What gives these baked beans their rich flavor?

The combination of barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Liquid Smoke creates a deep, complex taste that elevates the traditional baked beans recipe.

• Why do I need to drain the beans before mixing?

Draining the excess liquid prevents the beans from becoming watery and ensures a thicker, more concentrated sauce that clings perfectly to the beans.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beans and sauce mixture in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the bacon just before baking to keep it crisp and fresh.

• Is Liquid Smoke necessary for the recipe?

While Liquid Smoke adds a nice smoky depth, it’s optional. If you don’t have it, the recipe will still taste delicious with the other seasonings.

Brown Sugar And Bacon Baked Beans Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty brown sugar and bacon baked beans showcase a classic American side dish with deep southern comfort. Savory bacon and sweet molasses create a rich, smoky flavor profile you’ll crave at summer cookouts and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5–6 slices thick (center-cut bacon)
• 2 28 oz cans plain pork n’ beans
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• A few drops liquid smoke (optional)

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Instructions

1. Create a robust sauce by whisking together ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Liquid Smoke, garlic powder, and pepper in a medium bowl until completely integrated and smooth.
2. Drain excess liquid from pork n’ beans, carefully preserving the beans’ structural integrity. Gently fold the beans into the prepared sauce, ensuring complete and even coating without mashing.
3. Distribute the sauced beans uniformly into a shallow 2-quart baking dish, creating a level surface for consistent heat distribution.
4. Transform bacon slices into half-inch pieces, strategically positioning them atop the bean mixture. Slightly crinkle each bacon fragment to maximize potential crispiness during baking.
5. Position the uncovered dish in a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, monitoring until beans become effervescent and bacon transforms into a crisp, golden-brown topping.

Notes

• Drain beans thoroughly to prevent watery texture and ensure rich, concentrated flavor.
• Crumple bacon pieces strategically for maximum crispiness and better texture coverage across the dish.
• Experiment with different bacon types like applewood-smoked or pepper-crusted for unique flavor variations.
• Consider reducing sugar for healthier version or using sugar substitutes like monk fruit sweetener for low-carb diets.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 333 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg