Print

Savory Brown Sugar Bourbon Baked Beans with Smoked Bacon

brown sugar bourbon baked beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and flavorful baked beans recipe combining navy beans, smoked bacon, brown sugar, and bourbon for a smoky, sweet, and hearty dish perfect for gatherings or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried navy beans (about 400g)
  • 8 oz (225g) thick-cut smoked bacon
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (100g)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (60ml)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • About 4 cups water or broth (1 liter)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 cups dried navy beans under cold water. Place in a large bowl and cover with 3 inches of water. Let soak overnight or quick soak by boiling for 5 minutes, then covering off the heat for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans before cooking.
  2. Chop 8 oz thick-cut smoked bacon into small pieces. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy and fat is rendered, about 8–10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
  3. Add 1 medium chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly. Add 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Return the drained beans to the pot. Pour in 4 cups water or broth and 1/4 cup bourbon. Stir well to combine.
  6. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook over low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Check beans for tenderness; add more water if needed to keep from drying out.
  7. Once beans are tender and sauce is thickened, stir in the cooked bacon and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar. Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness. Cook uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  8. Give it a final taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar if desired. The sauce should be thick, sticky, and rich with a smoky bourbon aroma.
  9. Let the beans sit off heat for 10 minutes before serving to help the sauce thicken and flavors deepen.

Notes

Soak beans overnight or use quick soak method. Cook bacon slowly to render fat and crisp it without burning. Simmer beans low and slow to avoid splitting and to develop flavor. Adjust seasoning at the end. For gluten-free, verify Worcestershire sauce. Vegetarian option: omit bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke with sautéed mushrooms. Slow cooker method: cook on low 6–8 hours after initial frying of bacon and aromatics.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bourbon, smoked bacon, brown sugar, comfort food, navy beans, easy recipe, smoky, savory, homemade

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/savory-brown-sugar-bourbon-baked-beans-with-smoked-bacon-recipe-for-easy-homemade-flavor/