There's something incredibly comforting about a hearty dish of traditional baked beans. This recipe is a time-honored classic, bringing together rich, smoky, and sweet flavors that are perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner. It's the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.
The star of this dish is the bacon, adding a smoky, savory depth. When you cook it until crispy, it provides both flavor and texture. Onion and garlic are the aromatic base, delivering a subtle sweetness and warmth. The pork and beans serve as the hearty foundation, soaking up all the flavors beautifully. Molasses gives the beans their characteristic sweetness and color, while ketchup adds tanginess. Brown sugar enhances the sweetness, balancing the Worcestershire sauce, which brings umami notes. Yellow mustard adds a bit of tang and complexity. Finally, a touch of salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika rounds out the dish with heat and smokiness.
These baked beans pair wonderfully with grilled meats like ribs or chicken. They're also fantastic alongside cornbread or a crisp, fresh salad. For a complete meal, serve them with a grilled cheese sandwich or as a topping on a baked potato.
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures your beans will cook evenly. In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon until it's crispy, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the hot skillet. Cook these until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes. Transfer this aromatic mixture to a large baking dish.
Now, to the baking dish, add the pork and beans, molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring all the beans are coated with the flavorful sauce.
Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top, then cover the dish with a lid or foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours. This slow baking process allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
After 2 hours, remove the cover and bake for an additional 30 minutes. This step helps thicken the sauce to your desired consistency. Once done, let the beans cool slightly before serving.
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