These Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans are a fun mix of sweet apples and crispy bacon. The bourbon adds a tasty twist, making them an exciting side dish everyone will love!
Whenever I make these beans, my kitchen smells amazing. They go great with grilled meats or just on their own. Seriously, who can resist bacon and beans? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked White Beans: Navy or great northern beans are perfect for this recipe since they’re creamy and soak up flavors well. If you’re in a pinch, you can use canned beans or swap in black beans for a different texture.
Bacon: Bacon gives a wonderful smoky flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey bacon works well, though it’s less crispy. Or try using a vegetarian bacon alternative for a meat-free dish!
Apples: I recommend sturdy apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for their sweetness and texture. If you want a tangy kick, Granny Smith apples will add nice acidity to balance the sweetness.
Bourbon Whiskey: Bourbon adds a unique flavor, but if you want to avoid alcohol, use apple juice or a splash of apple cider instead. It’s not quite the same, but it will still be delicious!
Molasses: This adds depth to the dish. If you don’t have molasses, maple syrup or brown sugar can be used in a pinch, though it will change the flavor slightly.
How Do You Achieve the Best Flavor with Bacon and Onions?
Getting the right flavor from bacon and onions sets the foundation for the whole dish. Start by cooking the bacon until it’s nice and crispy—this gives it a great texture and smoky taste. Here’s how:
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn—this should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Once crispy, remove the bacon and leave some fat in the pan for that extra flavor. Add the chopped onion next and sauté until it’s soft and starts to golden, taking about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic toward the end of the onion cooking time, as it burns easily. This step gives a wonderful aroma and deep flavor to your beans.
Taking your time with these steps is key to unlocking all the yummy flavors in the beans!
Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans with Apples and Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beans:
- 4 cups cooked white beans (such as navy or great northern beans), drained and rinsed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium apple (preferably a firm variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
To Taste:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup water or bean cooking liquid (optional, to adjust consistency)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional), such as parsley or thyme
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prep and around 1.5 to 2 hours to bake in the oven. Perfect for a relaxing Sunday or a great addition to your next barbecue gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This will ensure a perfect cooking temperature for your beans.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. When it’s done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat, but leave that tasty bacon fat in the pan!
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat in the pan and sauté over medium heat until it becomes translucent and soft, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it’s fragrant.
4. Add the Apples:
Next, stir in the diced apples and cook for 2-3 minutes. You just want them to start softening.
5. Combine the Beans:
Add your cooked white beans to the pan, stirring gently to combine everything well.
6. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup, bourbon, molasses, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and chili powder if you’re using it. Pour this sauce over the beans and stir to combine evenly.
7. Add the Bacon Back In:
Put the cooked bacon back into the mixture and give it a gentle stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add up to 1/4 cup of water or bean cooking liquid to get your desired consistency.
8. Bake the Beans:
Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or some foil and bake in your preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Be sure to give it a stir once halfway through. When it’s done, the sauce should be nice and thick and bubbly.
9. Rest and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let the baked beans rest for a few minutes before serving. Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy these smoky, sweet, and tangy baked beans as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or your favorite barbecue fare!
These Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans with Apples and Bacon are sure to be a hit at your next meal! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Canned Beans Instead of Cooked Beans?
Absolutely! Canned beans are a great time-saver. Just be sure to rinse and drain them well before adding them to the recipe to remove excess sodium and improve flavor.
Can I Omit the Bourbon?
Yes, you can! If you’d prefer to avoid bourbon, feel free to substitute it with apple juice or apple cider. This will maintain the sweetness while keeping the recipe alcohol-free.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if the beans seem dry!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the bacon and use a bit of olive oil to sauté the onions. You could also add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic that smoky flavor!