Southern baked beans with bacon are a savory, hearty dish perfect for any gathering. This recipe is simple, quick, and family-friendly, making it a must-try for your next barbecue or potluck!
Table of Contents
The Best Southern Baked Beans with Bacon Recipe
Why This Recipe Works
This southern baked beans recipe shines with its rich flavors and crispy bacon topping. The combination of sweet and tangy sauces meld perfectly, creating a comforting dish that evokes memories of family gatherings. Plus, it’s an effortless side that pairs well with many main courses!
Key Ingredients for Southern Baked Beans
You’ll need just a handful of ingredients for these delicious baked beans:
- 2 cans pork and beans (28 oz each, undrained)
- 5-6 slices thick-cut bacon
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 drops liquid smoke (optional)
- 1 tablespoon bacon fat (optional)
Essential Equipment
For this recipe, you’ll need a large skillet, a baking dish (9×13-inch), and a mixing bowl. These tools make preparation and baking a breeze!
How to Make Southern Baked Beans with Bacon
Preparing the Bacon
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. This step ensures your bacon retains its crunch in the final dish. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels, cool, and crumble it into small pieces.
Mixing the Bean Base
In a large bowl, combine the undrained pork and beans, ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and liquid smoke if you’re using it. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined.
Assembling and Baking
Pour the bean mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Now, scatter the crispy bacon over the top. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the sauce thickens and the edges bubble. The top will darken slightly, adding to the deliciousness!
Tips for Perfect Baked Beans
Don’t drain the canned beans; that liquid is crucial for thickening the sauce. For the best results, use a wide pan to allow steam to escape, preventing soupy beans. Always ensure your bacon is crispy before adding it to the mix, so it doesn’t turn rubbery.
Serving and Storing Your Baked Beans
Perfect Pairings for Baked Beans
These southern baked beans pair beautifully with ribs, pulled pork, brisket, burgers, and hot dogs. They’re the ultimate side dish for summer cookouts and family dinners!
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, making this dish a fantastic option for meal prep.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, warm the beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat or place them in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes. This ensures they stay delicious and flavorful.
Slow Cooker Variation for Gatherings
If you’re serving a crowd, transfer the mixture to a slow cooker set to warm. This keeps the beans at the perfect temperature for everyone to enjoy throughout the event!
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for southern baked beans with bacon?
You will need pork and beans, bacon, ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional liquid smoke and bacon fat.
How do I make southern baked beans with bacon step by step?
Start by cooking the bacon until crispy. Mix all the bean ingredients in a bowl, pour into a baking dish, top with bacon, and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
Can I make southern baked beans with bacon ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
How should I store leftover southern baked beans with bacon?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
Try these scrumptious southern baked beans with bacon for a dish that’s sure to impress! Not only do they taste incredible, but they’re also easy to prepare. For more inspiring recipes, check us out on Pinterest for a variety of delightful ideas!
Delicious Southern Baked Beans with Bacon Recipe
Equipment
- skillet
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cans pork and beans 28 oz each, undrained
- 5 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 drops liquid smoke optional
- 1 tablespoon bacon fat optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until fully crispy. Drain, cool, and crumble into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the undrained pork and beans with ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and liquid smoke. Stir until the mixture is uniform.
- Pour the bean mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Scatter the crumbled bacon over the top of the beans.
- Bake uncovered for approximately 1 hour, or until the sauce thickens, edges bubble, and the top darkens slightly.
- Let the pan rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
– Bake in a wide pan to allow surface reduction; deep casserole dishes trap steam and result in soupy beans.
– Bacon must be crispy before adding to the oven to avoid a rubbery texture.
– Liquid smoke is recommended for indoor cooking to replicate a smoky flavor; use sparingly (approx. 3 drops) to avoid an artificial taste.
– Optional: Reserve a tablespoon of bacon fat and stir it into the bea