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Savory Southern-Style Smoky Bacon Baked Beans

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A hearty and flavorful southern-style baked beans recipe featuring smoky bacon, molasses, and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups dried Great Northern beans (soaked overnight)
  • 6 slices thick-cut smoky bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 1/2 cups dried Great Northern beans under cold water. Place them in a large bowl, cover with 3 inches of cold water, and soak overnight (at least 8 hours).
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  3. Chop 6 slices of thick-cut smoky bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy but not burnt, about 7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
  4. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion to the bacon fat. Cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor. Add 2 tablespoons molasses, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Drain soaked beans and add to the pot. Pour in 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth and stir to combine.
  7. Return cooked bacon to the pot, stir gently, and cover with lid. Bake in preheated oven for 75 to 90 minutes. Check at 60 minutes; beans should be tender but not mushy. Add water or broth if liquid gets too low.
  8. Remove from oven and stir. Add salt gradually, starting with 1 teaspoon, tasting as you go to avoid over-salting.
  9. Place uncovered back in oven or on stove at low heat for 10 minutes to thicken sauce slightly.
  10. Serve warm.

Notes

Soak beans overnight for best texture. Cook bacon slowly to render smoky fat. Add salt only after beans are fully cooked to avoid toughening. Use a deep pot to prevent burning. Check liquid levels during baking and add water or broth if needed. Vegetarian version uses smoked mushrooms and vegetable broth. Slow cooker method possible by cooking on low for 6-8 hours after sautéing bacon and aromatics.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, smoky bacon, southern recipe, easy baked beans, molasses baked beans, comfort food, BBQ side dish

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/savory-southern-style-smoky-bacon-baked-beans-recipe-easy-and-delicious/