Sweet Bourbon Baked Beans

Sweet Bourbon Baked Beans are the epitome of smoky, sweet, and savory comfort food, perfect for any backyard barbecue or cozy family dinner. This hearty dish combines tender navy beans with thick-cut bacon, caramelized onions, and a luscious sauce made with dark brown sugar, molasses, and a splash of bourbon for a touch of richness. Smoked paprika and chili powder add depth, while apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard deliver a bright tangy balance. Slowly baked to perfection, these beans develop a thick, sticky glaze that clings to every bite. Serve them warm as a flavorful side or let them steal the show as a standout main dish. Whether paired with grilled meats or accompanied by crusty bread, these bourbon-infused baked beans promise to impress any crowd!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 cups canned navy beans
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 quarter cup bourbon
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 2

In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon.

Step 3

In the same skillet, using the leftover bacon grease, sauté the diced onion over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Mix until well combined, allowing the sugar to dissolve.

Step 5

Add the smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the mixture, stirring well to incorporate all the spices.

Step 6

Rinse and drain the canned navy beans, then add them to the skillet along with the 0.5 cup of water. Stir gently to coat the beans in the sauce.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the top.

Step 8

Transfer the skillet or Dutch oven, uncovered, to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour.

Step 9

After an hour, stir the beans, then bake for an additional 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Once done, remove the beans from the oven and let them sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to cool slightly and thicken further.

Step 11

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own with a slice of crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1863.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3466.1

Total Fat 43.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.7g
Cholesterol 64.3mg	0%
Sodium 7602.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 559.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 56.5g	0%
Total Sugars 322.3g
Protein 91.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 901.8mg	0%
Iron 22.4mg	0%
Potassium 5086.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 13.0%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 74.8%