I’ve been making this bourbon baked beans recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The combination of sweet and smoky flavors is perfect for a summer barbecue or a casual dinner at home.
I love that it’s easy to make ahead of time and can be reheated as needed, which makes it ideal for big gatherings or potlucks. The best part is that it’s made with simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand, so you can whip it up in no time.
I’ve experimented with different types of beans and spices over the years, but this recipe remains my go-to because it’s just so delicious and versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or using it as a topping for burgers or hot dogs, this bourbon baked beans recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
I’ve even served it at family gatherings where everyone raves about how good it is, and I’m happy to share the recipe with you so you can enjoy it too. It’s also great for meal prep, as you can make a big batch and portion it out for the week.
Plus, the health benefits of using beans as a protein source are well-documented, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family. My kids love helping me stir the beans while they’re cooking, and they always get excited when they see how nicely the liquid reduces down into a rich, thick sauce.
It’s really quite impressive how something so simple can be so flavorful and satisfying.
Bourbon Baked Beans
4.9 from 776 votes
These bourbon baked beans are a sweet and savory side dish with a rich, smoky flavor. The bourbon adds depth while the molasses and brown sugar create a sticky glaze.
4 cans (15 oz each) navy beans, drained and rinsed
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
1/2 cup bourbon
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
👨🍳Directions
1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.
4Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon drippings and cook over medium heat until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
5Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then pour in the bourbon and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
6Stir in the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
7Add the drained navy beans and the cooked bacon, then stir gently to coat everything evenly.
8Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop over medium heat, then cover the pot with a lid.
9Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring once halfway through, until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency.
10Remove the pot from the oven and let the beans rest for 5 minutes before serving.
11The beans should be bubbling and the sauce will have reduced slightly, coating each bean with a sticky glaze.
For a smokier flavor, use applewood-smoked bacon. If you prefer less alcohol, simmer the bourbon for 3 to 4 minutes before adding the other ingredients. These beans taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.
Watch Video Of How Bourbon Baked Beans Works
This bourbon baked beans recipe is always a hit with my family and friends – we love serving them at barbecues and casual dinners alike.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and reheat as needed, which makes it perfect for busy families or large gatherings.
The health benefits of using beans as a protein source are well-documented, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your loved ones.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Baked Beans
Q: What type of beans should I use in this recipe?
A: You can use either navy beans or kidney beans – both work well in this recipe. Navy beans are more traditional in baked bean recipes, but kidney beans have a slightly sweeter flavor that some people prefer.
Q: Can I make this recipe without bourbon?
A: Yes, you can omit the bourbon if you prefer or if you’re serving this dish to people who don’t drink alcohol. Simply substitute in an equal amount of water or another liquid of your choice.
Q: How long does this recipe take to make?
A: This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 2 hours to cook, so plan accordingly if you’re making it for a special occasion.
Q: Can I serve these beans at room temperature?
A: While they’ll still taste great at room temperature, they’re best served warm from the oven when the flavors are most intense.
Q: Are these beans suitable for vegetarians?
A: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you omit any added bacon bits or other animal products – simply omit them if desired.
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