When the sun is shining and the backyard is filled with the sound of laughter and the aroma of the grill, there’s no better side dish to complement your barbecue than a hearty serving of baked beans. Instead of reaching for the store-bought varieties that often come laden with preservatives, why not try your hand at making a more wholesome and tantalizing version? This homemade brown sugar and bacon baked beans recipe brings a rich and deep flavor profile that combines the sweet, smoky, and savory notes to enhance any cookout or family gathering.
Why Make Your Own Baked Beans?
Baked beans are a staple at many gatherings, and they pair wonderfully with almost anything grilled, from burgers and hot dogs to more gourmet barbecue fare. Making your own baked beans allows you to control the ingredients, customize the flavors to your liking, and perhaps most importantly, it fills your home with a delightful aroma that canned beans just can’t match. This version, which includes the richness of bourbon and the savory goodness of bacon, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients Needed:
- Baked Beans Base: 1 large (28 oz) can of original baked beans, such as Bush’s. Drain half the liquid for a thicker consistency.
- Sweet and Tangy Sauce: ¼ cup ketchup and ¼ cup mustard blend together to create a perfect backdrop for the beans.
- Aromatic Additions: 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and ½ a diced red onion add a level of depth and sharpness that balances the sweetness.
- Sweet Enhancements: ½ cup of brown sugar to infuse a deep molasses flavor.
- Salty and Umami Touch: 1 tablespoon of soy sauce adds a rich umami taste, or switch it out for tamarind if you’re keeping it gluten-free.
- A Dash of Spirit: ¼ cup of Breckenridge Bourbon lends a unique oaky undertone. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your palate.
- Protein Crunch: 3 slices of bacon, which will crisp up nicely, adding texture and smoky flavors.
Instructions to Make Your Baked Beans:
1. Preparing Your Kitchen:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature for a slow and even cooking process.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
- In a large 12-inch cast iron skillet or a 9×13-inch baking dish, pour in the beans after draining half of their liquid. This step ensures your beans are not too runny.
- Add the ketchup, mustard, minced garlic, diced red onion, brown sugar, soy sauce (or tamarind), and bourbon to the beans. Stir these ingredients well until everything is thoroughly combined. The mustard and ketchup will meld with the sugar and bourbon to create a rich, cohesive sauce.
3. Adding the Bacon:
- Cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces. These will be placed on top of the bean mixture. Distributing them evenly allows each piece to crisp up perfectly without overshadowing the beans themselves.
4. Baking the Dish:
- Place the skillet or dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the bacon on top becomes crispy and the beans bubble gently, indicating they have absorbed the flavors and are hot throughout.
5. Cooling and Serving:
- Once removed from the oven, let the beans sit for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the bubbling to subside and the sauce to thicken slightly, making them easier to serve.
- Serve warm as the perfect complement to your barbecue dishes, delighting guests with the rich, complex flavors.
Conclusion:
Homemade brown sugar and bacon baked beans are not just a dish but a delightful experience, adding a touch of gourmet to traditional BBQ fare. This recipe elevates simple ingredients into a flavorful side that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a summer picnic, or just looking for a satisfying side, these baked beans will impress your guests and leave them coming back for seconds. Enjoy the process of making them and the joy they bring to your table.
image source : Heavenly Recipes
