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Flavorful Baked Beans Recipe with Brown Sugar and Bourbon

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A rich and bold baked beans recipe featuring brown sugar and bourbon, perfect for BBQs and gatherings. This easy and forgiving recipe delivers a comforting, smoky-sweet flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) dried navy beans, soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped (or smoked turkey bacon for lighter option)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (100 g) packed dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace)
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 cups (480 ml) water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 lb dried navy beans and soak in cold water overnight (at least 8 hours) or quick-soak by boiling for 2 minutes then letting sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook 6 chopped bacon slices until crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Remove bacon with slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in pot.
  3. Add 1 finely chopped onion to bacon fat and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup bourbon, ¾ cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and ½ tsp black pepper. Let bubble gently for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Add drained beans and 2 cups water or chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cover pot partially and simmer on low heat for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring occasionally. Add more liquid if beans look dry. Beans should be tender but not mushy.
  7. Stir cooked bacon back in and adjust salt to taste. Let beans sit off heat with lid on for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce for gluten-free version. For vegetarian/vegan, omit bacon and add smoked paprika plus liquid smoke, and use vegetable broth. Low and slow simmering is key for tender beans. Add more liquid if beans dry out. Leftovers taste better after overnight refrigeration. Can be frozen up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bourbon baked beans, brown sugar baked beans, BBQ side dish, easy baked beans, smoky baked beans, navy beans recipe

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/flavorful-baked-beans-recipe-with-brown-sugar-and-bourbon-easy-and-perfect-for-bbq/