Preparing these baked beans became a rite of passage every family reunion. Uncles and cousins would gather around, never leaving the kitchen until they snagged a sample. It was what brought us together, our culinary comfort zone. Now, my husband and I keep the tradition alive every summer barbecue or lazy Sunday supper, upholding that glorious union of sweet, savory, and smoky that’s just beguiling.
So here I am, passing forward this slice of Southern hospitality. It’s not only easy to whip up but also one of those dishes that put you in good standing among friends and family. I guarantee you, even the pickiest eater will find themselves coming back for seconds. Whether you’re crafting this for a family gathering or as a meal to share with new friends, there’s something uniquely special about feeding people good food—it’s like a love language all its own.
Now grab your apron, because I’m about to show you how easy it is to make these comforting Southern-style baked beans with bacon. Follow along, and in just over an hour, you’ll understand why this recipe is so cherished in our home.
How to Make Southern-Style Baked Beans with Bacon
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Ingredients:
- 2 cans (28 oz each) plain pork and beans
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Few dashes Liquid Smoke (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5-6 slices of thick-cut center bacon
Directions:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, setting the stage for a comforting bake.
- In a mixing bowl, combine tomato ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Liquid Smoke (if using), garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir the mixture until it’s thoroughly combined.
- After draining the liquid from the pork and beans, blend the beans gently with the mixed sauce until they’re evenly coated.
- Pour the bean mixture into a 2-quart baking dish, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula for a uniform distribution.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. Place them scattered across the top of the bean mix, ensuring some pieces are crumpled for a textured finish.
- Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake, leaving it uncovered for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Wait for the bacon to cook completely and achieve a delightful crispness before retrieving it from the oven.
- Serve the beans piping hot and enjoy the comforting, smoky flavors of this Southern classic.
Customizing Southern-Style Baked Beans: Alternative Ingredients
If you find yourself lacking some of the ingredients, don’t worry! You can easily make adjustments. Swap out ketchup for a spicy sriracha ketchup for a kick, use maple syrup in place of brown sugar for a hint of earthiness, or a splash of apple cider vinegar if you’re out of Worcestershire sauce.
Preserving Southern-Style Baked Beans for Later Enjoyment
Once cooled, transfer any leftover beans to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days. If freezing, use a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain the desired consistency.
Perfect Pairings for Southern-Style Baked Beans
These savory beans pair exceptionally well with classic barbecue foods, such as grilled chicken or smoked ribs. A fresh coleslaw or cornbread on the side brings complimentary textures and flavors. For drinks, a cold beer or sweet iced tea fits the bill perfectly.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Southern-Style Baked Beans
To amplify flavors, let the beans sit overnight in the refrigerator before baking, allowing ingredients to meld beautifully. Always cook bacon separately first if you prefer a less greasy top layer. For added depth, substitute half the beans for baked or smoked beans.
Seasonal Twists for Southern-Style Baked Beans
In the summer, add fresh corn kernels or diced bell peppers for a burst of color and sweetness. During fall, mix in chunks of sweet apple. Winter calls for the hearty touch of smoked paprika, and springtime benefits from a sprig of fresh thyme for a brighter taste.
FAQs:
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Absolutely, dried beans can be used instead of canned ones. To do so, soak the beans overnight first and then cook them until tender before following the steps in the recipe. Adjust any additional seasoning to taste when using dried beans as they can be more absorbent.
What type of bacon is best for this recipe?
Thick-cut bacon is recommended as it crisps up nicely and holds its texture better than thinner slices. Additionally, center-cut bacon is a great choice for this dish due to its balanced meat-to-fat ratio, contributing to the savory richness of the beans.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Certainly! For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and substitute with tempeh bacon or mushrooms to mimic the meaty texture and smoky flavor. Furthermore, make sure the remaining ingredients, like the barbecue sauce, are vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To heat things up, try adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. You can also replace regular barbecue sauce with a spicy variant, or drizzle in some hot sauce for a flavorful kick without altering the original balance of flavors.
Can this be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, this dish can be adapted for a slow cooker. Mix the ingredients as directed and place them in the slow cooker, topping with bacon pieces. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the bacon reaches your desired crispness, and the beans are bubbly warm.
Is Liquid Smoke necessary?
Liquid Smoke is entirely optional and depends on your personal taste. It provides a nice, subtle smoky flavor but can be omitted if you prefer or substituted with smoked paprika to give a similar essence to the dish.
Southern-Style Baked Beans with Bacon
Equipment
- medium bowl
- 2-quart baking dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cans (28 oz each) plain pork and beans
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Few dashes Liquid Smoke (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 5-6 slices thick-cut center bacon
Instructions
- Gather all necessary ingredients.
Preparation:
- In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly combine the ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Liquid Smoke, garlic powder, and black pepper; set this mixture aside.
- Drain the beans and dispose of the liquid. Then, Add the beans to the sauce mixture and gently combine. Transfer this mixture into a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cut the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces and distribute evenly over the top of the beans, crumpling them lightly for improved texture.
Cooking:
- Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the bacon is fully cooked and starts to become crispy.
- Serve the baked beans warm, savoring the flavors of the bacon and sauce together.
