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baked beans with bacon

Comforting Baked Beans With Bacon & Red Onion

These savory-sweet baked beans combine smoky bacon and caramelized red onion for an elevated comfort food classic. The brown sugar creates a delicious glaze while fresh parsley adds brightness to balance the rich flavors. Perfect for barbecues or as a hearty side dish any time of year.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 245
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 medium red onion finely chopped
  • 3 slices bacon chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 6 cups barbecued baked beans from a large can

Equipment

  • Casserole dish
  • Nonstick skillet
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
  2. Pour the barbecued baked beans into a casserole dish and place in the oven to heat through while preparing the other ingredients.
  3. In a small nonstick skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it begins to render fat.
  4. Add the finely chopped red onion to the bacon and continue cooking for another 3 minutes, until onions begin to soften and slightly caramelize.
  5. Remove the heated beans from the oven and distribute the bacon-onion mixture evenly across the top without stirring it in.
  6. Sprinkle the brown sugar and black pepper over the onion layer.
  7. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 10 more minutes, allowing the sugar to melt and create a light caramelization on top.
  8. Before serving, garnish with the fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

For a twist on this recipe, try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness. You can also add a splash of bourbon for extra depth of flavor.
These beans can be made ahead and reheated - they actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to maintain that smoky flavor profile.