Description
Comforting and crowd-pleasing rich baked beans layered with molasses, brown sugar, and smoky bacon, perfect for BBQs and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 (15 oz) cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 4 slices bacon, chopped (or 1–2 tsp smoked paprika + 2 tbsp olive oil for vegetarian)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (use tamari for vegan)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and reserve the drippings.
- Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and sauté until soft and translucent, about 6–8 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained beans, molasses, brown sugar, maple syrup, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cooked onion, and cooked bacon.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish or cast-iron skillet and smooth the top.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the sauce is bubbly and edges are caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Great make-ahead dish that improves in flavor overnight. For extra gloss, bake covered for the first 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American