Baked beans with bacon is a hearty, savory dish that combines the natural sweetness of slow-cooked beans with the rich, smoky flavor of bacon. This classic comfort food has been a staple in many homes for generations, often served as a side dish for barbecues, hearty breakfasts, or cozy family dinners. The combination of tender beans, caramelized onions, and crispy bacon creates a dish that’s both filling and satisfying, with layers of deep, savory flavor.
The base of baked beans with bacon starts with white beans, typically navy beans or Great Northern beans, which are known for their soft, creamy texture. The beans are slow-cooked in a flavorful mixture of tomato sauce, molasses, brown sugar, and mustard, creating a balance of sweetness and tang. The addition of crispy bacon brings a smoky, savory element that elevates the dish, adding depth and richness to every bite.
The bacon is usually cooked first, rendering its fat and creating a crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft beans. Once the bacon is cooked, it’s crumbled and added to the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together as the beans simmer slowly. The dish is often baked in the oven, allowing the flavors to develop even further while the top becomes golden and slightly caramelized.
Baked beans with bacon can be served as a side dish to complement grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even burgers. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to a full breakfast, alongside eggs and toast, or can be enjoyed on their own for a simple, satisfying meal. The dish is versatile, and many variations exist, such as adding brown onions, garlic, or a splash of vinegar to balance the sweetness.
This dish isn’t just delicious — it’s also packed with protein and fiber from the beans, making it both comforting and nourishing. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed as a cozy meal at home, baked beans with bacon are a timeless classic that’s sure to please.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon cut into pieces
- 1 large onion chopped
- 54 oz canned baked beans two 27 oz cans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sautéed onions, and half of the cooked bacon. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with the remaining bacon.
- Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour until the mixture is bubbly and thickened.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Yum! Perfect for our BBQ. I did add some jalapeños for a kick and it was fire!
These beans are AMAZING! The bacon adds such a great flavor. My family loved it!
I totally agree! Adding bacon is the best choice for flavor! Can’t wait to make this for my family too!
Beans with bacon? Sounds gross, honestly. Do people really like that combination?
Bacon beans! Who doesn’t love that? Easy recipe, just what I needed!
Too sweet for my taste. I think I would add less sugar next time.
I dunno about the brown sugar, seems kinda weird for beans. Just made it without and it was fine.
I think the brown sugar adds a nice sweetness to balance the savory beans and bacon. But hey, if you liked it without, that’s cool too!