Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Baked Beans with Bacon
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds, these Brown Sugar Baked Beans with Bacon are about to become your new favorite side dish.
They’re the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with crispy turkey bacon adding that irresistible smoky crunch.
I love how these beans come together in just minutes but taste like they’ve been simmering all day.
The combination of brown sugar, molasses, and Worcestershire creates this deep, rich flavor that transforms ordinary canned beans into something truly special.
Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or Sunday dinner.
What Ingredients are in Brown Sugar Baked Beans with Bacon?
These baked beans are all about that perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that come together to create the ultimate comfort food experience. What makes this recipe so approachable is that it starts with canned baked beans as the base, then transforms them with a handful of pantry staples into something that tastes homemade and special.
The combination of brown sugar and molasses creates that sticky-sweet sauce that clings to each bean, while the turkey bacon adds just the right amount of smokiness.
- 6 slices thick-cut turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cans (15 oz each) baked beans, undrained
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons molasses or honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
When shopping for this recipe, look for high-quality turkey bacon for the best flavor—though regular bacon works wonderfully too if you prefer a richer taste. The type of baked beans you choose matters; some come pre-seasoned with different flavors, so pick ones that complement the sweet-savory profile you’re going for.
And don’t skip the smoked paprika if you have it on hand—it might be optional, but that extra depth of smoky flavor really takes these beans from good to can’t-stop-eating-them delicious. Not a molasses fan? Honey makes a perfectly acceptable substitute that still delivers that necessary sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile.
How to Make These Brown Sugar Baked Beans with Bacon
Making these irresistible brown sugar baked beans starts with cooking 6 slices of chopped thick-cut turkey bacon. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes nice and crisp. The turkey bacon gives you that smoky flavor without all the fat of traditional bacon, though you’ll want to leave about a tablespoon of the rendered fat in the pan after removing the crispy bits with a slotted spoon. Sometimes I need to add a touch of oil if the turkey bacon doesn’t render enough fat—no big deal.
Next, toss your finely diced medium onion into that flavorful fat and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it softens and turns slightly golden. This step is where the magic begins, as those onions soak up all that bacon-y goodness.
Now for the transformation: add your 3 cans of undrained baked beans, ½ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 2 tablespoons molasses (or honey if that’s what you have), 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and that optional but highly recommended ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Don’t forget to mix in half of your cooked turkey bacon pieces, reserving the rest for topping.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, being mindful that many of the ingredients already contain salt. Stir everything until well combined—you’re looking for that perfect saucy consistency that coats each bean.
Finally, transfer your bean mixture to a 9×13 baking dish if you weren’t using an oven-safe skillet, and pop it into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake the beans uncovered, which allows the sauce to thicken and develop those slightly caramelized edges that are absolutely worth fighting over at the dinner table.
The uncovered baking also lets some of that moisture evaporate, concentrating those sweet and savory flavors we’re after. While the recipe doesn’t specify an exact baking time, I’d suggest checking after about 25-30 minutes—you’re looking for bubbling edges and a slightly thickened sauce.
Sprinkle those reserved bacon pieces on top during the last few minutes of baking for an extra crispy finish. Who knew transforming canned beans could be this simple and this rewarding?
Brown Sugar Baked Beans with Bacon Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe delivers mouthwatering results, countless substitutions and variations can transform these brown sugar baked beans to suit your dietary needs or pantry inventory.
No bacon? Try smoked turkey, diced ham, or go vegetarian with a dash of liquid smoke.
Maple syrup works beautifully instead of molasses, giving a lighter sweetness I sometimes prefer on warmer days. For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce—trust me, the sweet-heat combo is divine.
Plant-based folks can swap turkey bacon for tempeh bacon or simply omit it.
The beauty of these beans? They’re incredibly forgiving. Make them yours.
What to Serve with Brown Sugar Baked Beans with Bacon
Now that you’ve mastered the perfect batch of beans, let’s talk about what to pair with them. These smoky, sweet beans are practically begging for classic BBQ companions—think juicy burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled chicken.
I love serving them at cookouts alongside coleslaw, cornbread, and potato salad for the ultimate comfort food spread.
For something lighter, try them with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. They’re also fantastic spooned over baked potatoes or as a side for breakfast with eggs and toast.
Trust me, these beans elevate any meal from ordinary to memorable.
Final Thoughts
Simplicity sometimes yields the most satisfying results, and these Brown Sugar Baked Beans are proof of that philosophy.
I’ve served these beans countless times, watching guests go back for seconds, even thirds. The combination of sweet brown sugar, tangy mustard, and smoky bacon creates a perfect balance that elevates this humble side dish to star status.
What I love most? They’re practically foolproof.
Make them ahead, double the recipe for crowds, or customize the sweetness to your preference. They’re my go-to for potlucks, barbecues, and Sunday dinners—reliable, delicious, and always welcomed with open arms and empty plates.
Brown Sugar Baked Beans with Bacon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped turkey bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
- Add diced onion to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
- Add baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and half of the cooked bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir until well combined.
- If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer mixture to a 9x13 baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and slightly thickened.
- Top with remaining bacon pieces during the last few minutes of baking.
