Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans

Here’s a rich, smoky, and sweet Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans recipe that’s perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or a hearty side dish

Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans are the ultimate comfort food side dish—rich, hearty, and full of deep, smoky-sweet flavor. A staple at summer barbecues, holiday potlucks, and cozy family dinners, this dish brings together simple pantry ingredients and transforms them into something bold and satisfying.

What makes these beans stand out is the irresistible blend of sweetness from dark brown sugar and molasses, balanced perfectly by the saltiness and crunch of crispy bacon. The slow bake melds the flavors, giving the beans a thick, sticky glaze that clings to every bite. Onions and garlic add savory depth, while a splash of apple cider vinegar and mustard bring brightness and tang to cut through the richness.

Whether you’re pairing them with grilled meats, serving them alongside cornbread, or eating them straight from the bowl, Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Comforting, flavorful, and deeply nostalgic, they’re everything you want in a warm, homestyle side dish.

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Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans

Courses: Dinner

Ingredients

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• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each)
• ¹⁄₂ cup ketchup
• ¹⁄₃ cup dark brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• ¹⁄₄ cup molasses
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard (or Dijon for tang)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¹⁄₂ tsp smoked paprika (optional, but great for smokiness)
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the bacon:
3. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp.
4. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel.
5. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
6. Sauté onions & garlic:
7. In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook until softened (about 4–5 minutes).
8. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
9. Mix in remaining ingredients:
10. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
11. Mix in the drained beans and most of the cooked bacon (reserve a bit for topping).
12. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
13. Bake:
14. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
15. Sprinkle remaining bacon on top.
16. Bake uncovered for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until the sauce is thickened and bubbly.
17. Serve warm, with extra bacon or a drizzle of molasses if desired.

Note

• Make ahead: Can be made a day in advance. Flavors deepen overnight.
• Add heat: Stir in 1/2 tsp chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for spicy beans.
• Meatier option: Add browned ground beef or chopped smoked sausage for a main dish.