There’s nothing quite like The Best Baked Beans—sweet, smoky, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a summer BBQ, potluck, or holiday dinner, this recipe is the ultimate side dish. Not only is it easy to make, but it also comes together with simple pantry staples and a handful of ingredients that bring big flavor.
What makes these baked beans so special? First, crispy bacon adds a deep, smoky richness, while brown sugar and ketchup create a caramelized sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. Then, a touch of Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar balances everything with just the right amount of tang. After baking, the beans turn perfectly thick, bubbly, and irresistibly good.
If you’ve ever had canned baked beans, trust me—homemade is on another level. Plus, this recipe is versatile! Want more spice? Add a pinch of cayenne. Prefer a smokier kick? Try smoked paprika. No matter how you tweak it, these beans will be a hit every time. Get ready to impress!
Recipe Yield: 6 servings
INGREDIENTS
6 slices bacon, chopped (thick-cut for extra flavor)
3/4 cup onion, finely diced
2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans or great northern beans (drained and rinsed)
⅓ cup + 2 tbsp brown sugar
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
1½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
¾ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the bacon and onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté the onions in the bacon drippings until soft and slightly caramelized.
3. Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Combine everything: Add the drained beans, sautéed onions, and crispy bacon to the bowl. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
5. Bake to perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake uncovered for 50-55 minutes, until the sauce is thickened, caramelized, and bubbling.
6. Serve and enjoy: Let the beans cool for 5 minutes before serving. These baked beans are the ultimate BBQ side dish, potluck favorite, or comforting addition to any meal!
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Crispy Bacon for Maximum Flavor: Cook the bacon until extra crispy before adding it to the beans. This enhances the smoky, savory bite and keeps the texture from getting too soft as it bakes.
- Let It Bake for Thick, Caramelized Beans: For rich, thick sauce, bake the beans uncovered for at least 50-55 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen, the sugars to caramelize, and the sauce to thicken to perfection.
- Balance Sweetness with a Tangy Kick: A splash of apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard keeps the sweetness in check, adding the perfect bold, tangy contrast to every bite. Don’t skip these key ingredients—they make all the difference!
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