Bourbon Baked Beans

Elevate your barbecue spread with these rich and smoky Bourbon Baked Beans, the ultimate side dish packed with bold flavors and comforting textures. This recipe transforms humble navy beans into a showstopping dish, thanks to a combination of crispy thick-cut bacon, sautéed onions, and a luscious sauce infused with bourbon, molasses, and smoked paprika. Slow-baked to perfection, the beans are coated in a caramelized glaze with just the right balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes. Perfect for backyard gatherings and holiday feasts alike, these oven-baked beans pair beautifully with grilled meats or cornbread. Whether you're hosting a crowd or simply craving a hearty side, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers full-bodied flavor in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 cups canned navy beans (drained and rinsed)
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 0.5 cup ketchup
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup bourbon
• 0.5 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 2

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3

Drain excess bacon fat from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté over medium heat until it softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Pour in the bourbon and water, stirring to incorporate. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 8

Add the drained and rinsed navy beans to the skillet and gently fold them into the sauce until evenly coated.

Step 9

Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet and stir to combine.

Step 10

Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil, then transfer it to the preheated oven.

Step 11

Bake the beans in the oven for 90 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking.

Step 12

After 90 minutes, remove the lid or foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes to let the sauce thicken and caramelize slightly.

Step 13

Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the beans to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Step 14

Serve warm as a side dish and enjoy the rich, smoky flavor of your Bourbon Baked Beans.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1297.9 grams (1297.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1448

Total Fat 42.60g	55%
Saturated Fat 12.70g	64%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 60mg	20%
Sodium 3972mg	173%
Total Carbohydrate 216.00g	79%
Dietary Fiber 36.70g	131%
Total Sugars 96.90g
Protein 67.20g	134%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 465mg	36%
Iron 15mg	83%
Potassium 3227mg	69%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.3%

Protein: 17.7%

Carbs: 57.0%