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Bourbon Baked Beans

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Sweet, smoky baked beans with a warm bourbon tang, perfect for BBQs and gatherings. Slow-cooked to develop rich flavors and a comforting texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) dry navy beans, soaked overnight or quick soaked
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) bourbon
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar (preferably dark brown)
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups (480ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Optional add-ins:
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped and cooked crispy
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Soak the navy beans overnight in cold water covering by 3 inches, or quick soak by boiling for 2 minutes then letting sit covered for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving fat in pot.
  3. Add diced onion to the pot and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add soaked beans, bourbon, brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and water or broth. Stir well to combine.
  5. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and partially cover. Cook low and slow for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 20-30 minutes to prevent sticking. Add water if sauce becomes too dry.
  6. Once beans are tender and sauce is thick, stir in cooked bacon (if using) and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Soaking beans overnight improves texture and reduces cooking time. Use real bourbon for authentic flavor; alcohol cooks off during simmering. Stir regularly to prevent sticking. Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste by adding more vinegar or molasses. Beans taste better the next day and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon baked beans, baked beans recipe, smoky baked beans, sweet baked beans, BBQ side dish, slow cooker baked beans

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/bourbon-baked-beans-recipe-easy-sweet-smoky-flavor-to-make-on-repeat/