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Easy Southern Baked Beans with Bacon & Brown Sugar

This easy southern baked beans recipe will delight your BBQ or cookout cravings. Succulent bacon, caramelized onions, brown sugar, and a molasses-infused sauce create a flavorful authentic recipe that makes the perfect side dish.

So, grab your ingredients, fire up that oven, and let’s whip up a batch of easy Southern baked beans that’ll have you reaching for seconds and maybe even thirds.

Easy Southern Baked Beans Recipe.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Southern Baked Beans Recipe

Southern cuisine, the epitome of comfort and versatility, unfolds in this easy baked beans recipe.

This easy recipe offers the best of both worlds, ensuring a hearty and satisfying side dish that stands as a beloved classic with a contemporary flair.

Plus, it is hearty and delicious, made with an entire pound of bacon, this culinary gem isn’t just a side dish.

This semi-homemade side can be a stand-alone dinner that will elevate any meal, easily rivaling even the most prominent main courses.

Ingredients

  • Package of Bacon
  • Sweet Onion
  • Brown Sugar
  • Molasses
  • Prepared White Beans or Pork & Beans
  • Spicy Mustard
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Ketchup
Easy Baked Beans Recipe in dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Bacon Bliss

In a large skillet, place the bacon over medium heat.

Fry the bacon until it reaches a crispy texture, ensuring it’s not fully done. We want it slightly undercooked as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Sweet Onion Symphony

In the same skillet, using the bacon grease, add the diced sweet onion.

Allow the onion to cook until it achieves a softened texture, absorbing the smoky flavors from the bacon grease.

This step adds an extra layer of richness to the dish.

bacon and onions on griddle.

Step 3: Bean Preparation

While the bacon and onion are cooking, rinse and drain the canned beans thoroughly.

Wonder Cooker.

Transfer the beans to a large baking dish, I used the Wonder Cooker, which makes cooking this dish simple.

Wonder Cooker.

Step 4: Flavor Fusion

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

To the beans, add in the Spicy Mustard, Salt, Pepper, Ketchup, Brown Sugar, and Molasses.

Gently mix the ingredients, ensuring the beans are well-coated but taking care not to smash them.

pouring molasses into pan.

Step 5: Bacon and Onion Integration

Once the bacon is done, roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Add the chopped bacon and the sautéed sweet onion to the bean mixture.

bacon on a griddle.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes or until the flavors meld together, and the top develops a delicious caramelized finish.

Easy Baked Beans Recipe with bacon and onions.

Step 7: Enjoy the Culinary Symphony

Remove from the oven, and let it cool for a few minutes.

Serve your Southern Baked Beans alongside your favorite BBQ dishes or enjoy them as a flavorful stand-alone meal.

Recipe Notes

While this easy baked beans recipe is a standout on its own, feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your taste.

Whether you prefer your beans extra spicy, extra sweet, or with a hint of smokiness, this recipe provides a solid foundation for experimentation.

hot dogs in wonder cooker.

If you are making hot dogs, using the Wonder Cooker really simplifies the process.

steamed hot dog buns.

You can use one insert to cook the hot dogs and another to perfectly steam the buns.

Pro Tip: This versatile recipe allows for customization – feel free to experiment with additional spices or even consider adding a touch of hot sauce for an extra kick!

Overhead shot of Easy Baked Beans Recipe.

Storage Tips

Ensure your Southern Baked Beans stay as delightful as the first bite with these storage tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This maintains the freshness and flavors for up to 4 days.
  2. Freezer-Friendly: Planning ahead? These beans are freezer-friendly! Store in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. Prioritize defrosting in the fridge overnight for optimal taste.
  3. Reheating Perfection: Whether reheating a single serving or the entire batch of Southern baked beans, pop them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through. This ensures the beans maintain their delicious texture and flavor profile.

By following these storage instructions, you’ll have a convenient and tasty supply of Southern Baked Beans on hand whenever those cravings strike.

Easy Southern Baked Beans in a bowl.

FAQ’s About This Southern Baked Beans Recipe

What can I add to baked beans to make them taste better?

  • Molasses or brown sugar for sweetness.
  • Hot sauce or jalapeños for a spicy touch.
  • Maple syrup for nuanced richness.
  • Spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder for warmth.
  • Apple cider vinegar for a subtle tang.
  • Liquid smoke for a smoky flavor boost.

Why add mustard to baked beans?

Adding mustard to baked beans serves a dual purpose by infusing a savory depth and introducing a tangy element.

The savory notes complement the smokiness of ingredients like bacon, while the tanginess provides a well-rounded balance to counteract the inherent sweetness from brown sugar and molasses.

Can dogs eat baked beans?

While plain, cooked beans in moderation are generally safe for dogs, baked beans are not an ideal choice for several reasons:

  1. High Sugar and Salt Content: Many baked bean recipes include high amounts of sugar and salt, both of which can be harmful to dogs in excess.
  2. Added Ingredients: Baked beans often contain ingredients like onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs and can cause digestive issues, lethargy, and, in severe cases, damage to red blood cells.
  3. Spices and Seasonings: The spices and seasonings used in Southern baked beans may not agree with a dog’s digestive system, potentially causing stomach upset or other gastrointestinal discomfort.

If you want to share beans with your dog, it’s best to offer plain, cooked beans without any added seasonings, sauces, or other ingredients.

However, it’s always advisable to consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog’s diet to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your pet’s health.

Easy Southern Baked Beans Recipe in bowl.

Related Recipes

If you loved this recipe you should give these popular side dishes a try.

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Easy Baked Beans Recipe
Yield: 12 servings

Easy Baked Beans Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

This easy southern baked beans recipe will delight your BBQ or cookout cravings. Succulent bacon, caramelized onions, brown sugar, and a molasses-infused sauce create a flavorful authentic recipe that makes the perfect side dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 Package of Bacon
  • 1 Sweet Onion
  • 1 Cup of Brown Sugar
  • 2/3 Cup of Molasses
  • 4 16 ounce cans of Prepared White Beans or Pork & Beans
  • 2 Tablespoons Spicy Mustard
  • 1 Teaspoon of Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon of Pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons of Ketchup

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, place the bacon over medium heat.
  2. Fry the bacon until it reaches a crispy texture, ensuring it's not fully done. We want it slightly undercooked as it will continue cooking in the oven.
  3. In the same skillet, using the bacon grease, add the diced sweet onion. Allow the onion to cook until it achieves a softened texture, absorbing the smoky flavors from the bacon grease.
  4. While the bacon and onion are cooking, rinse and drain the canned beans thoroughly. Transfer the beans to a large baking dish.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). To the beans, add in the Spicy Mustard, Salt, Pepper, Ketchup, Brown Sugar, and Molasses.
  6. Gently mix the ingredients, ensuring the beans are well-coated but taking care not to smash them.
  7. Once the bacon is done, roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces. Add the chopped bacon and the sautéed sweet onion to the bean mixture.
  8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until the flavors meld together, and the top develops a delicious caramelized finish.
  9. Remove from the oven, and let it cool for a few minutes.

Notes

This versatile recipe allows for customization – feel free to experiment with additional spices or even consider adding a touch of hot sauce for an extra kick!

Nutrition Information

Yield

12

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 363Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 2mgSodium 355mgCarbohydrates 74gFiber 11gSugar 31gProtein 17g

The nutrition in recipes is caluculate by AI, mistakes happen. It is highly recommended to check carb counts to make sure these recipes fit into your diet.

About Thirty Something Super Mom

Melissa Dixon Thirty Something Super Mom
Thirty Something Super Mom | Website

My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.

Tamra Phelps

Monday 5th of November 2018

This looks a lot like my Grandma's recipe. It is really good! I need to pin this.

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