Bacon Baked Beans and Brown Sugar
These baked beans are semi-homemade and offer the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors! Topped with delicious bacon, they're sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
- 10 slices bacon diced
- 1 yellow onion finely diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper finely diced
- 54 oz can pork and beans or 4 cans, 15.5 oz each
- 4 tbsp ketchup
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 2 tsp dry mustard
Cook the bacon until it's halfway done, then set it aside to drain on a paper towel. Once cooled, chop it into semi-bite-sized pieces.
Preheat your oven to 325°F and set the rack to the lower-middle position.
In a deep skillet, heat about 2 tbsp of bacon grease (or butter) over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
Add all the remaining ingredients to the skillet and stir well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a minute or so.
While the mixture is simmering, grease a 13x9 inch baking dish or another 3-quart dish or pot.
Pour the beans into the prepared baking dish and lay the cooked bacon on top.
Bake for 2-3 hours, depending on your desired consistency.
Let the beans stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans!
To achieve the perfect consistency and flavor, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Precook the Bacon: Cooking the bacon halfway through before adding it to the beans ensures that it retains its crispiness while baking.
Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your desired consistency, you can bake the beans for 2-3 hours. Longer cooking times result in thicker, more concentrated flavors.
Garnish with Jalapenos: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, garnishing the baked beans with sliced jalapenos adds a spicy kick that balances out the sweetness of the dish.