Homemade Southern Baked Beans with Bacon

Homemade Southern Baked Beans with Bacon

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of rich, smoky baked beans topped with crispy bacon. This Southern classic is hearty, comforting, and filled with layers of flavor that make it perfect for any occasion — from backyard barbecues to cozy weeknight dinners. Slow-cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, these beans deliver the perfect balance of smokiness, tang, and sweetness. Whether you serve them as a side dish or a main course, they’ll bring that down-home flavor straight to your table.

Ingredients

For the Beans:

• 4 cups cooked navy beans or pinto beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)

• 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon

• 1 medium onion, diced

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• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1/4 cup molasses (or maple syrup for a milder flavor)

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

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• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added smokiness)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

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Directions

1. Cook the Bacon:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside. Reserve about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan for flavor.

2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
   In the same pan with bacon grease, add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Prepare the Sauce:
   Add brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, paprika, pepper, and salt into the pan. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer for about 3–5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

4. Combine Everything:
   In a large mixing bowl or casserole dish, add the beans and pour the sauce mixture over them. Stir gently to coat all the beans evenly. Fold in half of the crumbled bacon, reserving the rest for topping.

5. Bake the Beans:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the bean mixture into a baking dish and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The sauce should become thick, glossy, and bubbling around the edges.

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6. Add the Finishing Touch:
   Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining bacon pieces over the top, and let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These baked beans pair wonderfully with grilled meats like ribs, chicken, or burgers. They’re also delicious served with cornbread, potato salad, or roasted vegetables. For a cozy winter meal, enjoy them with a slice of buttered toast and a glass of sweet iced tea.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them on the stovetop over low heat or microwave them until heated through. You can also freeze the beans for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

This Homemade Southern Baked Beans with Bacon recipe is the definition of comfort food — simple ingredients that come together to create something deeply flavorful and satisfying. With their rich, smoky aroma and perfectly balanced sauce, these beans will quickly become a staple at your family gatherings and weekend meals. Once you taste them, you’ll never go back to canned baked beans again!