This honey bacon baked beans recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Combining the savory flavors of crispy bacon with the sweet notes of honey, this dish is sure to satisfy the taste buds of both children and adults. The different types of beans not only add a variety of textures, but also pack a nutritional punch, making this a great side dish for any meal.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe, such as bacon, honey, and beans, are pantry staples that you may already have at home. However, it's worth noting that we're using three types of beans: pinto, white, and dark red kidney beans. If these aren't readily available, feel free to substitute with other types of beans you prefer or have on hand. Similarly, if you don't typically stock molasses, it can be found in the baking aisle of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for the Honey Bacon Baked Beans
Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Yellow onion: Gives a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor.
Pinto beans: Offers a slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture.
White beans: Provides a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a smooth, buttery texture.
Dark red kidney beans: Known for their robust flavor and firm texture.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements.
Water: Helps to combine all the ingredients and create a saucy consistency.
Ketchup: Adds tanginess and sweetness.
Molasses: Contributes a deep, rich sweetness with a hint of bitterness.
Brown sugar: Enhances the overall sweetness of the dish.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex, savory flavor with a slight tang.
Yellow mustard: Provides a bit of tang and heat.
One reader, Irwin Bigelow says:
This honey bacon baked beans recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet honey, savory bacon, and hearty beans creates a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any occasion. The flavors are rich and comforting, and the aroma while it's baking is simply irresistible. A definite must-try!
Techniques Required for Making Honey Bacon Baked Beans
How to caramelize onions: To caramelize onions, thinly slice the onions and cook them in a skillet with a small amount of oil or butter over low heat. Stir occasionally until the onions turn golden brown and develop a sweet flavor.
How to bake the beans: After combining all the ingredients in the skillet, cover it tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to ensure the beans cook evenly. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender.
How To Make Honey Bacon Baked Beans
Enjoy a sweet and savory side with these baked beans cooked with bacon, sweetened with honey, sugar, plus a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4bacon,thick cut slices, cut into cubes
- ½cupyellow onion,chopped
- 16ozpinto beans,1 can, drained and rinsed
- 16ozwhite beans,1 can, drained and rinsed
- 16ozdark red kidney beans,1 can, drained and rinsed
- 2tbsphoney
- ½cupwater
- ⅔cupketchup
- ⅓cupmolasses
- ⅓cupbrown sugar,packed
- 1tbspWorcestershire sauce
- 1tbspyellow mustard
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
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Place bacon in a large cast-iron or other heavy-bottomed, oven-safe skillet. Cook over medium heat until browned and most of the fat is rendered.
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Remove the bacon, then cook the onion in the bacon fat until caramelized and brown. Pour out the excess bacon fat.
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Add the bacon back into the pan, then add in the beans and the rest of the ingredients.
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Cover tightly and cook in the oven for 1 hour.
Nutrition
- Calories: 595.01kcal
- Fat: 6.12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.83g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.24g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.39g
- Carbohydrates: 105.81g
- Fiber: 21.07g
- Sugar: 23.44g
- Protein: 32.33g
- Cholesterol: 7.66mg
- Sodium: 280.37mg
- Calcium: 233.03mg
- Potassium: 2331.13mg
- Iron: 10.89mg
- Vitamin A: 5.60µg
- Vitamin C: 6.39mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Honey Bacon Baked Beans
When cooking the bacon, ensure it's cooked until most of the fat is rendered. This not only gives the bacon a crispy texture, but also provides a flavorful base for caramelizing the onions. Moreover, when adding the beans and other ingredients, make sure to mix them well so that they are evenly coated with the honey, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. This will ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Plan: Before starting the recipe, gather all the ingredients and equipment needed to streamline the cooking process.
Pre-cooked beans: To save time, consider using canned beans instead of cooking them from scratch.
Bacon shortcut: Use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits to cut down on prep time and cooking.
Multi-task: While the beans are baking, use that time to prepare other components of your meal to maximize efficiency.
Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils, reducing time spent searching.
Substitute Ingredients For Honey Bacon Baked Beans Recipe
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup has a similar sweetness and viscosity to honey, and it will provide a rich, caramel-like flavor to the baked beans.
bacon - Substitute with smoked turkey or beef bacon: Smoked turkey or beef bacon can provide a similar smoky flavor and texture to the dish, while offering a leaner alternative to traditional bacon.
molasses - Substitute with dark corn syrup: Dark corn syrup can provide a similar depth of flavor and sweetness to the baked beans, while also adding a rich, caramel-like note to the dish.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a natural alternative to brown sugar, providing a similar level of sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the baked beans.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce mixed with a dash of hot sauce: This combination can replicate the umami and tangy flavor of Worcestershire sauce, adding depth and complexity to the baked beans.
yellow mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard can provide a slightly sharper and more complex flavor compared to yellow mustard, enhancing the overall taste of the baked beans.
Presentation Ideas for Serving Honey Bacon Baked Beans
Elevate the bacon: Crisp the bacon to perfection, ensuring it is the star of the dish. The bacon should be cooked until it's beautifully caramelized and adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish.
Create a harmonious blend of beans: Mix the pinto beans, white beans, and dark red kidney beans together to create a visually appealing and flavorful combination. The different colors and textures of the beans will add depth to the dish.
Drizzle with honey: Before serving, drizzle a touch of honey over the baked beans to add a hint of sweetness and a glossy finish. The honey will enhance the overall flavor profile and add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Garnish with crispy onions: Top the baked beans with crispy, golden-brown onions to add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor. The onions will provide a visually striking element and elevate the overall presentation.
Serve in individual cast-iron skillets: Present the honey bacon baked beans in individual cast-iron skillets, adding a rustic and charming touch to the presentation. This will create a visually appealing and memorable dining experience for the judges.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Baked Beans with Honey and Bacon
Cast-iron skillet: A heavy-duty, durable skillet that provides even heat distribution and retention, perfect for searing and baking.
Oven: Essential for baking and roasting, providing consistent and controlled heat for cooking a wide variety of dishes.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Honey Bacon Baked Beans
- Let the honey bacon baked beans cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- If you want to freeze the baked beans, let them cool completely first. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- When freezing, leave some headspace in the container to allow for expansion as the beans freeze. About 1 inch of space should be sufficient.
- Label the container with the date and contents so you can easily keep track of your frozen baked beans.
- Frozen honey bacon baked beans will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat, thaw the beans in the refrigerator overnight. Transfer them to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, stirring occasionally. This should take about 30-45 minutes, depending on the quantity.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the thawed beans in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
- If the reheated baked beans seem dry, add a little water or chicken broth to help moisten them and maintain their consistency.
How To Reheat Leftover Honey Bacon Baked Beans
Reheat in the oven: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the honey bacon baked beans to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. This method helps maintain the texture and flavor of the beans, allowing the flavors to meld together even more.
Stovetop reheating: place the leftover baked beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and scorching. If the beans seem dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth to help loosen them up. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave method: transfer the honey bacon baked beans to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent splattering and help retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker or crockpot: place the leftover baked beans in your slow cooker or crockpot. Set the temperature to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for keeping the beans warm during a gathering or potluck.
Repurposing leftovers: transform your leftover honey bacon baked beans into a new dish. Use them as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. You can also add them to a salad for a protein-packed lunch, or blend them into a dip for a unique appetizer.
Interesting Trivia About Honey Bacon Baked Beans
The honey bacon baked beans recipe is a classic American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Baked beans have been a staple in American cuisine since the early colonial days, and they were even mentioned in the diaries of Pilgrim settlers. The addition of honey and bacon to the traditional baked beans recipe adds a sweet and savory flavor that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. This dish is perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or as a comforting side dish for any meal. The combination of beans, bacon, and honey creates a delicious and hearty dish that is loved by many.
Is Making Honey Bacon Baked Beans at Home Cost-Effective?
This honey bacon baked beans recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as pinto beans, white beans, and dark red kidney beans, are affordable and readily available. The addition of bacon and honey may slightly increase the cost, but the dish can still be prepared at a reasonable price. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9 out of 10, considering its affordability, delicious flavors, and hearty nature.
Are Honey Bacon Baked Beans Healthy or Unhealthy?
The honey bacon baked beans recipe is a delicious but relatively unhealthy dish. Here's why:
- High in sodium: With the addition of bacon, ketchup, worcestershire sauce, and mustard, this recipe is likely to be high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- High in sugar: The recipe includes honey, ketchup, molasses, and brown sugar, all of which are significant sources of added sugars. Consuming too much added sugar can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health problems.
- High in saturated fat: Bacon is a major source of saturated fat, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease when consumed in excess.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of bacon used or opt for a leaner alternative, such as turkey bacon
- Use low-sodium versions of the canned beans, ketchup, and worcestershire sauce
- Decrease the amount of added sugars by reducing the honey, molasses, and brown sugar, or by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as diced bell peppers or carrots, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use whole grain mustard instead of yellow mustard for a slightly healthier option
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of the honey bacon baked beans recipe that still retains its delicious flavor profile. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to enjoying comfort foods like this one.
Editor's Opinion on the Honey Bacon Baked Beans Recipe
This honey bacon baked beans recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of bacon, honey, and molasses adds a rich and smoky depth to the dish, while the variety of beans provides a satisfying texture. The use of ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce enhances the overall complexity of the flavors. The caramelized onions contribute a touch of sweetness and depth. Overall, this recipe promises a delicious and comforting dish that will surely be a hit at any gathering.
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Why trust this Honey Bacon Baked Beans Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, ensuring a mouthwatering experience for all. The savory bacon infuses a rich, smoky essence, complemented by the natural sweetness of honey and molasses. The medley of pinto beans, white beans, and dark red kidney beans creates a hearty and nutritious base. With the addition of ketchup, brown sugar, and worcestershire sauce, this dish promises a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Trust in this recipe for a delectable and satisfying culinary adventure.
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