Get ready to elevate your side dish game with these irresistible Smokin’ Baked Beans! This recipe combines tender navy or pinto beans with a rich, smoky sauce made from ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, and an irresistible hint of smoked paprika. Crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a touch of garlic add depth and bold flavor to every bite, while a splash of apple cider vinegar brings just the right tangy balance. Slow-baked to perfection in your oven, these beans achieve a luscious, thick texture with bacon bits scattered on top for added indulgence. Perfect for a barbecue, potluck, or cozy family dinner, this easy-to-make dish will leave everyone asking for seconds. Serve them hot alongside grilled meats or as a standalone hearty treat! Keywords: smoky baked beans, bacon baked beans, homemade baked beans recipe, easy side dish idea, barbecue beans, sweet and smoky beans.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon and set them aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Stir in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Gently fold in the drained and rinsed beans, ensuring they are fully coated in the smoky sauce.
Sprinkle the cooked bacon bits over the top of the beans before transferring the skillet or Dutch oven to the preheated oven.
Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring the beans halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and to ensure even flavor distribution.
Remove the beans from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional bacon bits if desired.
Calories |
1634 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.1 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.8 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 99 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 5780 mg | 251% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 265.3 g | 96% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.9 g | 135% | |
| Total Sugars | 144.1 g | ||
| Protein | 69.9 g | 140% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 468 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 15.4 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 3311 mg | 70% | |
*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.