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Smoky Loaded Bacon Baked Beans

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These Smoky Loaded Bacon Baked Beans are the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish, made with simple ingredients and ready in about 45 minutes. Smoky bacon, sweet molasses, and a touch of heat create a deep, savory flavor that will steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Extra cooked bacon, crumbled (for topping, optional)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place chopped bacon in a cold Dutch oven. Turn heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and fat is rendered, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add diced onion to the pot with bacon fat. Increase heat to medium and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build the sauce: Add ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chipotle powder (if using), and dry mustard powder. Stir until combined and sugar dissolves. Let bubble gently for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Add the beans: Gently fold in drained and rinsed navy beans and kidney beans until coated in sauce.
  5. Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency.
  6. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in half the crispy bacon. Let sit off heat for 5 minutes. Transfer to serving dish, top with remaining bacon and fresh parsley or chives.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, mash a few beans against the side of the pot. These beans taste even better the next day. To make gluten-free, ensure Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bacon, smoky, side dish, potluck, barbecue, easy, comfort food

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/smoky-loaded-bacon-baked-beans-the-best-easy-recipe/