Southern Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon

Nothing says Southern comfort food quite like a pan of Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon! This recipe perfectly blends tender beans, savory bacon, and a sweet and smoky flavor profile. Perfect for barbecues or Sunday dinners, these beans are always a crowd-pleaser.

The rich depth of flavor comes from slow-cooking with crispy bacon, onion, brown sugar, and molasses. The result is a thick, hearty, and satisfying dish that’s surprisingly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

Ingredients

For the Baked Beans:

• 4 cups cooked white beans (Great Northern or navy beans; canned beans are fine, drained & rinsed)
• 1 lb bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (optional, for consistency)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional)