Baked beans with bacon are a hearty and flavorful side dish that complements any barbecue or family gathering. This easy-to-make recipe combines the rich taste of bacon with sweet and savory beans, making it a good choice for many occasions.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Baked Beans with Bacon
Baked beans have long been a dish in American cuisine, often associated with outdoor cookouts. The addition of bacon and its rendered fat enhances the flavor, which takes these beans from simple to delicious.
To get the best flavor and texture, cut the bacon into small pieces, then cook it until crispy before adding it to the beans. Then stir it into the beans along with the rendered fat. The bacon will not overcook while it cooks in the oven. It actually softens a little from the moisture in the beans. When done this way, the bacon will not have undercooked fat, and the beans will not be swimming in grease. Now, let’s look at the other ingredients in these baked beans.
Ingredients in Baked Beans with Bacon
While the beans and bacon provide most of the flavor, the other ingredients round it out. Onions, brown sugar, coarse-ground mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and tangy BBQ sauce combine to create a rich, complex flavor that guests will love.
What Kind of Beans Do I Use?
For this semi-homemade recipe, use Bush’s Original canned baked beans that are made with navy beans. Remove the added pork, as this recipe includes bacon. Don’t substitute other Bush’s beans for the original kind, as they contain more sugar and other ingredients that will unbalance this recipe. Also, be aware that if you substitute an equal amount of pork and beans for the Bush’s beans, the recipe will have less flavor.
Can I Use Dried Beans for this Recipe?
No, for this shortcut recipe, use canned beans with tomato sauce already added.
Perfect Pairings
Baked beans with bacon can be served alongside a variety of main courses. They pair exceptionally well with grilled meats, such as ribs and burgers, but can also be enjoyed with roasted chicken or even on their own as a hearty main dish. Consider serving them at your next barbecue, picnic, or potluck for a tasty side that everyone will love.
Tips for the Best Baked Beans with Bacon
For the best baked beans, use high-quality ingredients. Opt for quality bacon, thick-cut if you prefer; otherwise, thin will work fine. Additionally, don’t hesitate to customize the recipe by adding your favorite spices or vegetables—like bell peppers or jalapeños—for a kick.
Storage and Reheating
Baked beans with bacon will keep well and can be eaten later. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, simply warm them in the oven on low heat, covered with aluminum foil. You can also warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if they seem too thick.
Your Go-To Dish
You can serve baked beans with bacon as a side or main dish. With their delicious flavor and easy preparation, they can become your go-to recipe for casual gatherings. Next time you’re planning a barbecue, consider this classic side dish.
Other Recipes with Beans You Might Like
Baked Beans with Bacon
Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking dish
Ingredients
- 28 ounces Bush's Original Baked Beans
- 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon coarse-ground Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons bacon drippings
- 8 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray the baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pour the beans into the baking dish. Add BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire. Stir to mix well.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until browned and crispy. Add the bacon and 3 tablespoons of drippings to the beans. Leave one tablespoon of bacon drippings in the pan. Add the onions and cook until wilted. Then add them to the beans and stir. Bake for 45 minutes or until the sauce thickens.