Print

Savory Caramelized Onion and Bacon Baked Beans

caramelized onion and bacon baked beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich and comforting baked beans recipe featuring caramelized onions and crispy bacon, perfect for BBQs and family gatherings. This dish balances sweet and savory flavors with a smoky depth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (about 300g) dry Great Northern or Navy beans, soaked overnight (or canned beans as shortcut)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups (480ml) chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • Fresh parsley, a handful chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans: Rinse 1 ½ cups (300g) dry beans and soak overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse again before cooking. If using canned beans, drain and rinse well.
  2. Cook the Beans: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cover soaked beans with 6 cups (1.4 liters) fresh water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer gently for 45-60 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain beans, reserving 1 cup (240ml) cooking liquid.
  3. Caramelize the Onions: Cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon with slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in pot. Add sliced onions to bacon fat, sprinkle with salt, and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant, about 25-30 minutes.
  4. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste to onions. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Add cooked beans back to pot with onion mixture. Stir in brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Pour in broth and stir well.
  6. Simmer: Return crispy bacon to pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add reserved bean liquid or water if sauce thickens too much.
  7. Final Touch: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the beans.

Notes

Slowly caramelize onions over medium-low heat to avoid burning; add a splash of water if onions stick. Use thick-cut bacon for better texture and flavor. Soak beans overnight for best results or use quick soak method. For gluten-free, substitute Worcestershire sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, caramelized onions, bacon, BBQ side dish, savory beans, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/savory-caramelized-onion-and-bacon-baked-beans-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-bbqs/