Savory Maple Bacon Baked Beans

Delicious Baked Beans: A Family Favorite Recipe

Nothing says comfort quite like a bowl of hearty, baked beans, and this particular recipe has been a treasured staple in our family for years. The combination of crispy bacon, savory spices, and a sweet tangy sauce creates a dish that’s perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or a cozy family dinner. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to making these scrumptious baked beans, guaranteed to delight your taste buds and become a beloved addition to your recipe collection.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings: About 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 strips of bacon
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until they are crisp and golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease for later use.

   Related Articles

   • 
     Fizzy Fun Sherbet: Easy & Colorful No-Cook Candy Recipe for Kids
   • 
     Creamy Bacon Parmesan Pasta
   • 
     Herbaceous Mushroom Medley Salad 🌿🍄
   • 
     Mini Pecan Pie Tarts: Bite-Sized Southern Treats

2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the finely chopped green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized, lidded casserole dish, combine the cooked vegetables with the bacon (crumbled into small pieces). Add the molasses, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, freshly ground black pepper, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure that all ingredients are well combined.

4. Bake the Beans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the covered casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This initial baking helps to meld the flavors together.

5. Adjust the Temperature: After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). Continue to bake the beans for an additional hour. Make sure to stir the beans every 15 minutes during this baking period to ensure even cooking and prevent any burning.

6. Final Touches: If you prefer your beans to have a slightly drier texture, uncover the casserole dish for the last 15 minutes of baking. This step helps to reduce the sauce and concentrate the flavors even further.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the beans are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the beans to firm up slightly.

These baked beans are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Whether served as a side at a summer barbecue, a comforting addition to a winter meal, or a hearty component of a casual weeknight dinner, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy the rich, savory goodness that this recipe brings to your table! 🌟🍲🥓