Baked Beans with Bacon
A comforting classic reimagined with thick-cut bacon, molasses sweetness, and tangy crushed tomatoes. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this hearty dish serves 6 and brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite.
Equipment
- 1 Large Saucepan For simmering beans and sauce
- 1 Wooden Spoon Stirring without scratching pan
- 1 Measuring Cups For accurate sweeteners/spices
- 1 Sharp knife Chopping onion and bacon
- 1 Cutting board Prep work
Ingredients
- 4 cans (16 oz) White Beans (canned) Navy, Cannellini, or Great Northern
- 10 slices Thick-Cut Bacon Nitrate-free preferred
- 1.5 cups Yellow Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 0.5 cup Molasses Use unsulfured blackstrap
- 0.5 cup Brown Sugar Light or dark
- 0.5 cup Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1.25 tsp Paprika Smoked preferred
- 0.5 tsp Dried Mustard
- 1 tsp White Pepper
- 1.5 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until the fat begins to render.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add molasses, brown sugar, crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried mustard, white pepper, and salt. Stir until smooth and combined.
- Add the white beans with their liquid and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat when the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use olive oil with smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Serve on toasted sourdough, with eggs, or alongside grilled meats for a hearty meal.
- Beverage pairings: Unsweetened iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or warm apple cider.