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Southern-Style Baked Beans Recipe Easy Perfect for BBQ Feasts

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A hearty and comforting Southern-style baked beans recipe with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, perfect for BBQ feasts and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried navy beans (or Great Northern beans), soaked overnight
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup molasses (60 ml)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (65 g)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (30 ml)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (125 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (5 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (2.5 g)
  • Salt to taste (start with about 1 teaspoon / 5 g)
  • 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (720 ml)

Instructions

  1. Soak the beans overnight: Rinse 1 pound of dried navy beans under cold water, place in a large bowl, cover with at least 4 inches of cold water, and soak for 8–12 hours.
  2. Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Dice 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, finely chop 1 large yellow onion, and mince 3 garlic cloves. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  3. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy, about 7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
  4. Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, careful not to burn.
  5. Return bacon to the pot and add drained beans. Pour in 3 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth and stir well.
  6. In a bowl, whisk together molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
  7. Pour the sauce mixture into the pot with beans and bacon. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake in the preheated oven for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Add water if liquid reduces too quickly.
  9. Remove from oven, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let beans rest covered for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not skip soaking the beans overnight to ensure even cooking and tenderness. Stir beans every 30 minutes during baking to prevent sticking and add water if needed. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth with smoked paprika and liquid smoke. Leftovers taste better after resting overnight. Can be made in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern baked beans, BBQ side dish, baked beans recipe, slow baked beans, smoky baked beans, easy baked beans

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/southern-style-baked-beans-recipe-easy-perfect-for-bbq-feasts/