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Brown Sugar Baked Beans with Bacon

If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food that balances sweet and savory, these Brown Sugar Baked Beans with Bacon are sure to impress. Featuring crispy turkey bacon and a rich, sticky sauce, they're perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a cozy Sunday dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 6 slices thick-cut turkey bacon chopped
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 3 cans (15 oz each) baked beans undrained
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons molasses or honey as a substitute
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Slotted spoon
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped turkey bacon over medium heat until crisp. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pan and remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon, reserving some for topping.
  3. Add the finely diced onion to the skillet and sauté in the bacon fat for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
  4. Stir in the undrained baked beans, packed brown sugar, ketchup, yellow mustard, molasses (or honey), Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Mix in half of the cooked bacon pieces.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and stir until the sauce evenly coats the beans.
  6. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a 9×13 baking dish. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops slightly caramelized edges.
  7. During the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle the reserved bacon pieces on top for an extra crispy finish.

Notes

These Brown Sugar Baked Beans with Bacon are a delightful twist on classic baked beans, combining the rich flavors of brown sugar, molasses, and tangy ketchup with the smoky crunch of crispy turkey bacon. The recipe is highly adaptable with plenty of substitutions available, making it a perfect choice for potlucks and family dinners. It can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, ensuring that a warm, comforting side dish is always ready to serve.