There’s something undeniably comforting about a pot of homemade baked beans, slowly simmered until they reach the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. This recipe elevates the humble baked bean to new heights, combining the richness of bacon with a blend of carefully selected seasonings and sauces. Originally a staple of American barbecue culture, these beans have evolved from their colonial roots to become an essential part of modern cookouts and family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 slices bacon, diced (60g)
- 1 small sweet onion, diced (150g/1 cup)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (150g/1 cup)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (10g)
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (9g)
- ¼-½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder (1-2g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (1.5g)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (0.5g)
Sauce Components
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30ml)
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (30ml)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (30ml)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15g)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (15g)
- 2 cans (22 ounces each/624g) Bush’s Grillin’ Beans
- 2 slices bacon, for topping (optional) (60g)
Instructions
- Preparation Phase
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Dice bacon, onion, and bell pepper
- Mince garlic cloves
- Measure out all seasonings and sauces
- Cooking the Base
- In a large oven-safe skillet, cook diced bacon over medium-low heat until crispy (8-10 minutes)
- Leave rendered bacon fat in the pan
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Adding Flavors
- Incorporate smoked paprika, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper
- Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices
- Pour in apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar
- Stir until well combined
- Final Assembly
- Add baked beans to the mixture
- Bring to a gentle boil
- Taste and adjust seasonings
- Optional: arrange additional bacon strips on top
- Baking
- Transfer to oven (if not using an oven-safe skillet)
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and syrupy
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving
Nutritional Information
(Per 1-cup serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 880mg
Timing:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8-10
Pro Tips and Tricks
- For Better Flavor:
- Cook bacon until extra crispy for maximum flavor
- Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced
- Allow spices to bloom in the hot oil
- Let beans rest for 10 minutes after baking to thicken
- Texture Control:
- For thicker beans, bake uncovered
- For saucier beans, cover with foil
- Stir occasionally during baking if desired
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat Options:
- Replace bacon with smoked ham
- Use turkey bacon for a lighter version
- Make it vegetarian by omitting bacon and adding liquid smoke
- Heat Level Adjustments:
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat
- Use regular chili powder for milder flavor
- Include cayenne pepper for more spice
- Sweetener Alternatives:
- Maple syrup instead of brown sugar
- Honey as a natural sweetener
- Molasses for deeper flavor
Common FAQs
Q: Can I make these beans in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the bacon at the beginning for best results.
Q: Why are my beans too liquid?
A: Extended cooking time uncovered will help thicken the sauce. Additionally, the beans will continue to thicken as they cool.
Q: Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to cook them separately first. Use about 4 cups of cooked beans to replace the canned ones.
Q: How spicy is this recipe?
A: With the given measurements, it’s moderately spicy. Adjust the chipotle powder to taste.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Reheat in microwave or oven until hot
- Freezing:
- Freeze in portions for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator
- Reheat gently, adding liquid if needed
- Make-Ahead Instructions:
- Prepare up to step 3 day before
- Store in refrigerator
- Bring to room temperature before baking
- May need extra 5-10 minutes baking time
These smoky baked beans are perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or any gathering where you want to impress with a elevated take on a classic comfort food. The combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors makes them an irresistible side dish that often becomes the star of the show.