Name: Bourbon Baked Beans: 5 Reasons to Love This Comfort Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cans (15 oz each) navy beans, drained and rinsed; 6 slices bacon, diced; 1 onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup bourbon; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Bourbon Baked Beans are not just a side dish; they are a culinary experience that transforms your gatherings. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy potluck, these beans simmer in a rich, smoky, and slightly boozy sauce, creating a comfort food that resonates with everyone. The combination of flavors is truly irresistible, making them the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Baked Beans

This Bourbon Baked Beans Recipe is packed with flavor and easy to prepare. Here are a few reasons to adore this dish:

Rich and smoky flavor profile that elevates any meal.
Perfect for outdoor gatherings, making it an Easy Bourbon Baked Beans for BBQ.
Simple homemade ingredients that you likely already have.
Versatile enough to adapt to various dietary needs.
It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, thus being the Best Side Dish: Bourbon Baked Beans.
Great for leftovers, making meal prep a breeze.

Plus, it’s a classic Bourbon-infused Baked Beans dish that everyone will rave about!

Ingredients for Bourbon Baked Beans

Gather these items:

4 cans (15 oz each) navy beans, drained and rinsed
6 slices bacon, diced
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup bourbon
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Bourbon Baked Beans Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet, reserving the bacon fat.
Step 3: Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the drained and rinsed beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onions and garlic, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Transfer the bean mixture to a large baking dish or casserole dish. Cover and bake for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 6: Remove the dish from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Bourbon Baked Beans!

Pro Tips for the Best Bourbon Baked Beans

Keep these in mind:

For a deeper flavor, let the beans sit overnight in the fridge before baking.
Feel free to substitute brown sugar with maple syrup for a unique twist.
Using high-quality bourbon will enhance the depth of flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Bourbon Baked Beans

These beans shine as a side dish. Here are some ideas:

Pair them with grilled meats, especially ribs or brisket.
Serve them alongside cornbread for a true Southern experience.
Top with shredded cheese or green onions for added flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Bourbon Baked Beans

To store, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For reheating, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. This makes them perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Baked Beans

What’s the secret to perfect Bourbon Baked Beans?

The secret lies in the balance of flavors and using quality ingredients. Make sure to allow the beans to absorb the bourbon and spices for a rich taste.

Can I make Bourbon Baked Beans ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance, and they often taste even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Bourbon Baked Beans?

Make sure not to overcook the beans. Stir occasionally while baking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Variations of Bourbon Baked Beans You Can Try

Experiment with these ideas:

For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika for flavor.
Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Incorporate different beans like black beans or pinto beans for variety.

These variations can cater to various dietary preferences while keeping the essence of a classic Bourbon Baked Beans dish intact.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making cheesy mashed potato balls for a delightful side dish!

Bourbon Baked Beans: 5 Reasons to Love This Comfort Dish - Bourbon Baked Beans - additional detail

For more tips on cooking with high-quality ingredients, explore our guide on enhancing flavors in your dishes.

Bourbon Baked Beans: 5 Reasons to Love This Comfort Dish

Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

These Bourbon Baked Beans are a delectable and easy-to-make side dish that are perfect for your next barbecue or potluck. The beans are simmered in a rich, smoky, and slightly boozy sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F.
In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet, reserving the bacon fat.
Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
In a large bowl, combine the drained and rinsed beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onions and garlic, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Transfer the bean mixture to a large baking dish or casserole dish. Cover and bake for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Remove the dish from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Bourbon Baked Beans!