Print

Savory BBQ Bourbon Baked Beans

bbq bourbon baked beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A smoky, slightly sweet baked beans recipe with a subtle bourbon kick, cooked in a cast iron skillet for a perfect caramelized crust. Ideal for backyard barbecues and crowd-pleasing gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dry navy beans, soaked overnight (or 4 cups canned navy beans, drained and rinsed)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup good quality bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
  • 2 cups water or bean cooking liquid

Instructions

  1. If using dry navy beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse before cooking. Boil in fresh water for about 1 hour or until tender but not mushy. If using canned beans, rinse and drain well.
  2. In a cast iron skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and cook until translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Carefully pour in the bourbon to deglaze the skillet, scraping the bottom to lift browned bits. Let the bourbon reduce for 2-3 minutes until slightly syrupy.
  5. Stir in tomato sauce, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
  6. Add the cooked or canned navy beans and crispy bacon back into the skillet. Pour in about 2 cups of water or bean cooking liquid to loosen the sauce.
  7. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for about 1 hour until the sauce thickens and bubbles, and edges caramelize.
  8. Halfway through baking, gently stir the beans to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add a splash of water if the beans look too dry.
  9. Once baked, let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.

Notes

Use good quality bourbon for smooth flavor; cheap bourbon can taste bitter. Soak dry beans overnight for best texture. Bacon fat adds essential smoky richness. Cast iron skillet creates a caramelized crust that enhances flavor. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste before and after baking. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and can be frozen (without bacon) for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked beans, bourbon baked beans, BBQ side dish, cast iron skillet recipe, smoky baked beans, summer cookout side, easy baked beans

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/savory-bbq-bourbon-baked-beans-recipe-easy-cast-iron-skillet-side/