Print

Savory Bourbon BBQ Baked Beans Recipe Perfect for a Crowd Easy and Delicious

bourbon bbq baked beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A savory bourbon BBQ baked beans recipe that balances smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) dry navy beans or great northern beans, soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) BBQ sauce (smoky Kansas City style recommended)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups (480ml) low sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: Soak 1 lb (450g) of dry navy or great northern beans overnight in plenty of cold water. For a quick soak, boil beans for 5 minutes, then cover and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Cook the Beans: Place soaked beans in a large pot and cover with fresh water by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook gently for 45-60 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and reserve 1 cup (240ml) of cooking liquid.
  3. Cook Bacon and Aromatics: Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
  4. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add diced onion to bacon fat and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Add Flavorings: Stir in BBQ sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and reserved bean cooking liquid. Mix well to combine.
  6. Combine Beans and Bacon: Add cooked beans and crispy bacon back into the pot. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce.
  7. Season & Adjust: Taste and season with salt and black pepper sparingly. If mixture is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen.
  8. Bake: Transfer bean mixture to an oven-safe casserole dish. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, stirring halfway through, until sauce thickens and top is slightly caramelized.
  9. Rest and Serve: Let beans cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for smoky flavor. Beans can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to deepen flavors. Use canned beans to save time but reduce cooking and baking times accordingly. Watch baking time closely to avoid drying out beans. Add diced bell pepper or hot sauce for extra flavor or heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon baked beans, BBQ baked beans, baked beans recipe, crowd-friendly side dish, smoky baked beans, easy baked beans, bourbon BBQ beans

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/savory-bourbon-bbq-baked-beans-recipe-perfect-for-a-crowd-easy-and-delicious/