Brown Sugar Bacon Baked Beans
A savory-sweet classic, these baked beans are slow-cooked in a rich mixture of molasses, mustard, and brown sugar, accented with a smoky essence and crisp bacon on top. Ideal for gatherings, backyard barbecues, or comforting family meals.
Print
Pin
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 3 cans 15 ounces each prepared baked beans, with liquid retained
- 6 slices of thick bacon roughly chopped
- 1 medium-sized yellow onion finely minced
- 2 tablespoons molasses or honey according to preference
- ½ cup tightly packed light or dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup classic tomato ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow prepared mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional for a deeper flavor
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper adjusted to taste
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or an oven-safe skillet set over medium heat, fry the bacon pieces until they turn golden and crisp. Remove them using a slotted spoon, reserving approximately one tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pan.
- To the retained bacon fat, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and starting to caramelize.
- Incorporate the baked beans directly into the skillet, followed by the brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, molasses (or honey), Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika if using. Fold in half of the cooked bacon. Stir thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are well integrated.
- Transfer the entire mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish if not using an oven-safe pan. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes, stirring once at the halfway mark to maintain even cooking.
- Prior to serving, distribute the remaining crispy bacon evenly across the surface.
Notes
For a stronger smoky profile, the optional smoked paprika can be included. Honey may be used in place of molasses for a lighter sweetness.