Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Cook chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy (6-8 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon, reserving some bacon grease.
2. Sauté the Onion
Add chopped onion to the bacon grease and sauté over medium heat until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Mix the Sauce
Add ketchup, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, molasses, vinegar, mustard, paprika, and pepper to the pot. Stir until sugar dissolves.
4. Add the Beans
Add beans to the pot, stirring to coat. Add water or broth if needed.
5. Simmer the Beans
Simmer uncovered over low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
6. Add the Bacon
Stir in cooked bacon. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
7. Taste and Adjust
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or vinegar. Add more sugar or molasses if desired.
8. Garnish and Serve
Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish and serve hot.
Cooking Notes
- Beans: Use dried beans (soaked overnight and cooked) or canned (drained and rinsed).
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is best; turkey bacon is a leaner alternative.
- Sauce: Adjust spices to your liking; add hot sauce for spice, or liquid smoke for extra smokiness.
- Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 4-6 hours after sautéing the onions and bacon.
- Make-Ahead: Makes great leftovers! Refrigerate up to 4-5 days; reheat gently.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit bacon, use vegetarian bacon, or smoked paprika. Add veggies like peppers or mushrooms.
- Spicy: Add jalapeños, chili flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper.
- Maple: Replace molasses with maple syrup.
- BBQ: Add more BBQ sauce; consider adding pulled pork or chicken.
- Southern-Style: Add yellow mustard or pickle relish.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Use low-carb beans (black soybeans, green beans), a sugar substitute (erythritol, stevia, monk fruit), and a keto-friendly BBQ sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Flavors improve overnight. Refrigerate in an airtight container.
Can I use canned beans?
Yes, drain and rinse well. Adjust cooking time.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 4-5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, but the flavor will be less rich.
Enjoy these delicious Southern Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon! They’re a guaranteed hit!