Print

Savory Honey-Glazed Baked Beans Recipe with Bacon and Molasses

honey-glazed baked beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and flavorful baked beans recipe featuring smoky bacon, rich molasses, and a subtle honey glaze. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried navy beans or Great Northern beans (or about 4 cups cooked/canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 3 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup water or broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beans: If using dried beans, rinse 2 cups thoroughly and soak overnight or use the quick soak method (boil for 2 minutes, then let sit for an hour). Drain and rinse again. Then, simmer in fresh water for about 1 to 1½ hours until tender but not mushy. If using canned beans, drain and rinse well.
  2. Cook the bacon: Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook until crispy, about 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Mix the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together molasses, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or directly in your baking dish, combine the cooked beans, sautéed onion and garlic, crispy bacon, and the honey-molasses glaze. Add 1 cup (240 ml) of water or broth to loosen the mixture slightly and stir well.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a baking dish if it isn’t already in one. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring halfway through. The sauce should thicken and become sticky, coating the beans beautifully.
  7. Final check and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Keep an eye on the beans while baking to prevent drying out; add a splash of water or broth if needed. Stir halfway through baking for even glazing. Use quality molasses for best flavor. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, honey-glazed beans, bacon baked beans, molasses beans, easy baked beans, smoky baked beans, comfort food

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/savory-honey-glazed-baked-beans-recipe-with-bacon-and-molasses-for-easy-cooking/