Here’s a classic Southern-style baked beans with bacon recipe—rich, smoky, and perfect as a side dish:
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 4 cups cooked or canned navy beans (drained and rinsed)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon:
- In a large skillet or oven-safe pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving bacon fat.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).
- Combine ingredients:
- Add beans, cooked bacon, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer mixture to an oven-safe dish (if not already in one) and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with extra chopped bacon or fresh parsley. Perfect alongside barbecue, grilled meats, or cornbread.
💡 Tips:
- For a richer smoky flavor, use smoked bacon or add a dash of liquid smoke.
- Adjust sweetness with more or less brown sugar based on your preference.
If you want, I can also make a faster stovetop version that’s ready in under 20 minutes but still tastes authentically Southern.
Do you want me to do that?
