Flavorful Baked Beans

A classic summer favorite, these baked beans are semi-homemade and the perfect blend of sweet, savory and smoky! You’ll never go back to simply heating up a can of beans. These few simple additions make all the difference. Topped with delicious bacon, they’re sure to be a hit!

How to make Baked Beans

Ingredients

• 10 slices bacon diced
• 1 yellow onion finely diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper finely diced
• 54 oz can pork and beans or 4 (15.5oz each) cans
• 4 Tbsp ketchup
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 2 tsp dry mustard

Directions

1. Cook bacon about halfway through (in whichever way you want), and set aside to drain on a paper towel. Once cooled, roughly chop into semi-bite sized pieces.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees and set rack to the lower-middle rack position.
3. In a deep skillet, heat about 2 Tbsp of bacon grease (or butter) over medium heat. Add diced onion and green pepper and sauté about 5 minutes, until softened.
4. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine well. Let mixture simmer for a minute or so.
5. While the mixture is simmering, grease a 13×9 baking dish, or other 3 quart dish or pot.
6. Pour beans into the prepared baking dish and lay cooked bacon on top of the beans.
7. Bake for 2-3 hours, depending on your desired consistency.
8. Let the beans stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes:

What kind of bacon is best for baked beans?

Any strips of bacon will work (We specify strips because Canadian bacon will NOT work), but thick-cut bacon is best for these beans. If you can find the peppered thick-cut bacon at your grocery store, that’s even better!

Can baked beans be made ahead of time?

In this recipe, baked beans can be made the night before. Just wait to add bacon topping for when you’re ready to bake the beans—that way, the bacon turns out nice and crispy!

How long do baked beans last in the fridge?

Covered, the beans will last for two to three days in the refrigerator. You can pop the whole dish back in the oven to reheat it, or nuke smaller portions in the microwave.