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Baked Beans (American South)

southernbakedbeanspauladeenThese baked beans start with three big ol' cans of pork and beans, but it's the other ingredients you add that transforms them. This recipe is filled with tangy barbecue sauce, sweet brown sugar, mustard for a kick, green pepper, onion and the beans are topped with strips of partially-cooked bacon and baked low and slow until the bacon gets a little crispy and the beans thicken. The result is baked beans that are smoky, sweet, tangy and absolutely unforgettable.

8 slices bacon, halved
1 medium onion, chopped
½ medium green pepper, chopped
3 (28 oz) cans pork and beans
¾ cup barbecue sauce
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup distilled or cider vinegar
2 tsp. dry mustard or 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

Preheat an oven to 325°F (165°C/140°C fan, Gas Mark 3). Adjust an oven rack to lower-middle position. grease a 9x13" baking pan.

Fry the bacon in large, deep sauté pan until the bacon has partially cooked and released about ¼ cup of drippings. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels.

Add the onion and pepper to drippings in the pan and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.

Add the beans and remaining ingredients to the pan; bring to a simmer. (If the pan is not large enough, add the beans and heat to a simmer then transfer to a large bowl and stir in the remaining ingredients).

Pour the flavoured beans into the prepared ovenproof pan. Top with bacon, then bake until the beans are bubbly and the sauce is the consistency of pancake syrup, about 2 hours. Let stand to thicken slightly and serve.

Cook's Notes:

  • What kind of bacon is best for baked beans?  Any strips of bacon will work (I say strips because Canadian bacon will NOT work), but thick-cut bacon is best for these beans. If you can find the peppered thick-cut bacon at your grocery store, that's even better.
  • Can baked beans be made ahead of time?  In this recipe, baked beans can be made the night before. Just wait to add bacon topping for when you're ready to bake the beans - that way, the bacon turns out nice and crispy.
  • How long do baked beans last in the fridge?  Covered, the beans will last for two to three days in the refrigerator. You can pop the whole dish back in the oven to reheat it, or nuke smaller portions in the microwave.
  • What pairs well with baked beans?  Baked beans are one of the best BBQ recipes! Make them for all the patriotic holidays this summer alongside grilled ribs, BBQ chicken, and burgers. Add a few other classic BBQ sides and you're ready for the cookout.