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The Best Southern Baked Beans

A comforting and crowd-pleasing dish, these Southern baked beans are made with tender navy beans, smoky bacon, and a sweet, tangy sauce—a perfect addition to any gathering.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) navy beans Can substitute with pinto beans.
  • 1 cup diced bacon Turkey bacon can be used for a lighter option.
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped Shallots make a great substitute.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Can swap for maple syrup.
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce Choose your favorite or make a homemade version.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Soy sauce can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon mustard Yellow, Dijon, or spicy mustard can work.
  • to taste salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy but not burnt.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine navy beans, cooked bacon, onions, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
Baking
  1. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to caramelize the top.
  3. Let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce. For a vegetarian option, use smoked paprika and sautéed bell peppers instead of bacon. Add apple cider vinegar or diced pineapples for unique flavor variations.