Bacon Baked Beans
Bacon Baked Beans is a hearty, flavorful dish combining savory bacon, seasoned sausage, and a medley of beans, all baked to perfection. Its sweet and tangy sauce makes it a perfect comfort food for gatherings, family dinners, or potlucks, offering a rich, smoky taste with every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 jars B & M beans (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 can butter beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can lima beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 lb chopped bacon ⓘ
- 3 Bermuda onions, cut in rings ⓘ
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 lb Italian or Polish sausage, cut in small pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown chopped bacon in a skillet.
- Add onions and fry until tender.
- Stir in brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, dry mustard, and sausage.
- Simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- Add the cooked mixture to the beans without draining the grease.
- Pour into a baking dish and bake uncovered at 350°F for 1½ to 2 hours.
- Serve hot, and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika or using smoked bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon and sausage with plant-based alternatives. You can also experiment with different beans; navy beans or black beans work well in this recipe. For a touch of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bacon baked beans as a hearty side dish at barbecues or potlucks. They pair perfectly with grilled meats, especially ribs or burgers. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside cornbread or a fresh salad. They also make a delicious accompaniment to a Breakfast Casserole Cheese Dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a lid to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon Baked Beans contains roughly 1052 calories, with 44g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value), protein (88% of the Daily Value), and iron (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 726mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of jars?
Yes, you can use canned beans instead of jarred ones. Just ensure you drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium. This will help maintain the dish's flavor balance and texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when mixing in the sauce. You can also use spicy sausage instead of mild to elevate the spiciness of the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the baked beans a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just reheat in the oven or on the stovetop before serving. This can enhance the flavors as they have more time to meld together.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).