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Savory Honey Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe with Crispy Bacon Crumble

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A flavorful baked beans recipe combining the sweetness of honey and warmth of bourbon, topped with a crispy bacon crumble for a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Ideal for barbecues and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon whiskey
  • 1/3 cup (113 g) honey
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) molasses (optional)
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • Salt to taste (start with 1/2 tsp and adjust)
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the bacon in a sauté pan over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan; discard the rest or save for another use.
  3. Add olive oil or butter to the bacon fat in the pan. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Carefully pour in the bourbon to the pan, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol and concentrate flavors.
  5. In a large bowl, combine honey, ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well until fully blended.
  6. Add the drained beans and sautéed onion-garlic-bourbon mixture to the sauce. Stir gently to coat all the beans without mashing them.
  7. Pour the bean mixture into your oven-safe baking dish or Dutch oven and spread evenly.
  8. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, stirring halfway through. The sauce should thicken and bubble, coating the beans with a sticky glaze.
  9. Sprinkle the crispy bacon crumble evenly over the top and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to warm the bacon and keep it crisp.
  10. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the sauce looks too thick before baking, stir in a splash of water or broth. Stirring halfway through baking prevents sticking and promotes even cooking. Use quality bourbon for best flavor. For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or smoked tempeh crumble. Bacon crumble is essential for texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, honey bourbon baked beans, bacon crumble, barbecue side dish, savory beans, easy baked beans recipe

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/savory-honey-bourbon-baked-beans-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-crumble-easy-and-perfect/