These beans are all dressed up and they definitely have a place to go—your plate! Dressed Up Baked Beans zhoosh up typical baked beans with an even greater depth of flavor: sweeter with the addition of brown sugar and molasses, tangier with the addition of mustard and vinegar, and more savory with Worcestershire sauce and fatty bacon. The beans themselves are hearty and satisfying, perfect for scooping up all of the incredible sauce. Dressed Up Baked Beans are a tuxedo of home-cooked side dishes, perfect for accompanying rotisserie chicken and mashed potatoes. Make sure you look your finest when you tuck into this dish!
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons water, if needed
- 4 (16.5-ounce) cans baked beans or 2 (28-ounce) cans, undrained
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, plus more to taste
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, optional
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Spray a 4-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
Step 3 –Place the bacon in a skillet or sauté pan and cook over medium heat until rendered and crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 4 –Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Step 5 –Place the onion in the skillet with the bacon drippings and cook until very soft, about 5-6 minutes. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water if the onions dry out too quickly.
Step 6 –Combine the beans, onions, 3/4 of the bacon, ketchup, light brown sugar, spicy brown mustard, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar in the prepared baking dish.
Step 7 –Taste the mixture for sweetness.
Step 8 –Sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top of the bean mixture.
Step 9 –Bake the beans uncovered until bubbling and caramelized on top, about 1 hour.
Step 10 –Serve hot!