BROWN SUGAR AND BACON BAKED BEANS

Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans are a delicious and classic side dish that pairs well with various main courses. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare this flavorful dish:

Ingredients:

• 4 cans (15 ounces each) of canned baked beans
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 6-8 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Choose a large oven-safe baking dish or casserole dish. You can grease it lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, crumbled bacon, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings or sweetness if necessary by adding more brown sugar or molasses.

1. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beans are bubbling, and the top is slightly caramelized and golden brown.
3. Serve: Remove the baked beans from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They can be served hot as a side dish.

Optional Tips:

• If you want to add more smokiness to your baked beans, you can use smoked bacon or add a dash of liquid smoke to the mixture.
• You can also customize this recipe by adding extras like chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick or diced pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use a vegetarian-friendly alternative or simply skip it altogether.

These Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans are a crowd-pleaser at picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.

Enjoy!