Southern baked beans are a classic side dish known for their sweet and savory flavors. Here’s a simple recipe to make Southern-style baked beans at home:
Ingredients:
- – 4 slices bacon, diced
- – 1 small onion, finely chopped
- – 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- – 1/2 cup ketchup
- – 1/4 cup molasses
- – 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- – 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- – 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- – 2 (15-ounce) cans navy beans or other white beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or casserole dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet.
3. In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked bacon, sautéed onion and bell pepper, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
5. Add the drained and rinsed navy beans to the bowl and stir until they are evenly coated with the sauce mixture.
6. Transfer the bean mixture to the prepared baking dish or casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
8. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the sauce has thickened.
9. Once baked, remove the Southern baked beans from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. Serve the Southern baked beans hot as a delicious side dish for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, or any meal!
These Southern baked beans are rich, flavorful, and perfect for serving alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or other classic Southern dishes. They’re sure to be a hit with family and friends at your next gathering!