If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food side dish, these Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans are an absolute must-try! Slow-baked to perfection, this dish combines the rich sweetness of brown sugar and molasses with the deep, smoky flavor of crispy bacon. The addition of sautéed onions and green peppers adds a subtle depth that perfectly balances the tangy cider vinegar and classic mustard seasoning.
Perfect for backyard BBQs, potlucks, or cozy family dinners, these baked beans are incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving them alongside grilled meats or as a hearty side for any meal, they’ll quickly become a favorite on your table.
With just a few simple ingredients and a little time in the oven, you’ll have a rich, thick, and flavorful dish that tastes like it simmered all day. The bacon topping gets wonderfully crispy while the beans soak up every bit of that sweet and savory sauce. Trust me—once you try homemade baked beans like these, you’ll never go back to canned ones again!
Serve warm and enjoy every bite of this classic dish with a twist!
Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 10 slices bacon diced
- 1 yellow onion finely diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper finely diced
- 54 oz can pork and beans or 4 15.5oz each cans
- 4 Tbsp ketchup
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 2 tsp dry mustard.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- -Cook bacon about half way through (in whichever way you want), and set aside to drain on a paper towel. Once cooled, roughly chop into semi-bite sized pieces.
- -Preheat oven to 325 degrees and set rack to the lower-middle rack position.
- -In a deep skillet, heat about 2 Tbsp of bacon grease (or butter) over MED heat. Add diced onion and green pepper and saute about 5 minutes, until softened.
- -Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine well. Let mixture simmer for a minute or so.
- -While the mixture is simmering, grease a 13×9 baking dish, or other 3 quart dish or pot.
- -Pour beans into the prepared baking dish and lay cooked bacon on top of the beans.
- -Bake for 2-3 hours, depending on your desired consistency.
- -Let the beans stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Storage:Let the baked beans cool completely before storing.
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Freezing:
Yes, you can freeze them! Let the beans cool, then store in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
They last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Make-Ahead Tip:
You can assemble the beans (before baking) and store them in the fridge overnight. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake!