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