This recipe for Crockpot Bourbon Baked Beans takes a classic summer side dish to a whole new level of flavor. Imagine tender, slow-cooked navy beans infused with the smoky richness of applewood bacon, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and a generous splash of bourbon that adds a depth of complexity you won’t find in ordinary baked beans. The combination of BBQ sauce, ketchup, molasses, maple syrup, and brown sugar creates a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy notes, while smoked paprika and cumin add a subtle warmth. These beans are perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even a cozy weeknight dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Bourbon Baked Beans recipe offers several compelling reasons to make it your new go-to dish. First and foremost, the flavor is simply outstanding. The bourbon adds a sophisticated edge that elevates the beans beyond the ordinary. The crockpot method ensures that the beans are cooked to perfection, resulting in a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The hands-off cooking process is incredibly convenient, freeing you up to focus on other tasks. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as these beans slowly simmer is absolutely irresistible. This recipe is also incredibly versatile; it can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. And finally, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it the perfect dish to bring to any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. dry navy beans, soaked overnight
- 12 oz. applewood smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 sweet onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup bourbon (can omit & add additional chicken stock in its place)
- ¾ cup BBQ Sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons molasses
- 3 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cumin
Preparation:
Step 1: Pour the dry navy beans into a large pot. Cover them generously with water, ensuring the water level is well above the beans. Let them soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. This soaking process is crucial as it helps to soften the beans, reducing their cooking time and improving their texture. Soaking also helps to remove some of the indigestible sugars that can cause digestive discomfort.
Step 2: The next morning, drain the soaked navy beans thoroughly. Rinse them under cold running water to remove any remaining impurities. Place the drained and rinsed beans aside, ready for the next stages of the recipe.
Step 3: In a large skillet, add the chopped applewood smoked bacon. Cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is crispy and has rendered its fat. The bacon fat will add a delicious smoky flavor to the baked beans. Once the bacon is crisp, remove it from the skillet using a slotted spoon and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess grease. Set the cooked bacon aside.
Step 4: Add the chopped sweet onion to the skillet with the rendered bacon grease. Cook the onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to caramelize. This process usually takes about 15 minutes. Caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness and adds a layer of depth to the flavor of the baked beans. Once the onions are starting to develop a golden-brown color and become tender, add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish.
Step 5: In the same large pot that you used to soak the beans, combine the chicken stock, bourbon (if using), BBQ sauce, ketchup, molasses, maple syrup, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined and the brown sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Add the drained and rinsed navy beans to the boiling mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring that the beans are fully submerged in the liquid. Return the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, carefully pour the contents of the pot into your crockpot.
Step 7: Add the cooked, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and garlic, along with the bacon grease from the skillet, to the crockpot. Stir gently to incorporate the ingredients. Cover the crockpot with its lid.
Step 8: Cook the baked beans on high heat for 5-6 hours or on low heat for 10-12 hours, stirring occasionally. The cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot, so check the beans periodically to ensure they are cooking evenly. The beans are done when they are fully cooked, tender, and easily mashed with a fork.
Step 9: Once the beans are fully cooked, let the crockpot sit on the warm setting for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the sauce to thicken. This simmering period will also allow the flavors to meld together even further.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
These Crockpot Bourbon Baked Beans are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide range of dishes. They are a classic accompaniment to grilled meats such as burgers, hot dogs, and ribs. They also complement pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, and chicken. For a vegetarian option, try serving them alongside grilled vegetables, cornbread, or a hearty salad. You can also serve them as a side dish at potlucks, barbecues, or picnics. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a touch of color and freshness.
Tips:
- For a richer, more intense flavor, use a high-quality bourbon.
- If you prefer a less sweet baked beans, reduce the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- To prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot, stir them occasionally during cooking.
- If the beans become too thick during cooking, add a little more chicken stock or water to thin them out.
- These baked beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the crockpot or on the stovetop before serving.
- Leftover baked beans can be used to make chili, bean burritos, or as a topping for nachos.
Prep Time:
20 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
Cook Time:
5-6 hours on high or 10-12 hours on low
Total Time:
5 hours 20 minutes to 12 hours 20 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
Nutritional Information:
(Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories:
Approximately 350-450 per serving
Protein:
Approximately 20-25 grams per serving
Sodium:
Approximately 800-1000 mg per serving
Conclusion:
Crockpot Bourbon Baked Beans are more than just a side dish; they’re a flavor-packed experience that will leave you and your guests craving more. The combination of smoky bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and a generous splash of bourbon creates a symphony of flavors that will elevate any meal. The slow-cooking process ensures that the beans are cooked to perfection, resulting in a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy the best baked beans you’ve ever tasted.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this recipe without bourbon?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of chicken stock. The bourbon adds a unique depth of flavor, but the baked beans will still be delicious without it. You may want to add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of apple cider vinegar to compensate for the missing complexity.
Q2: Can I use different types of beans for this recipe?
A: While navy beans are traditionally used in baked beans, you can certainly experiment with other types of beans. Great Northern beans, cannellini beans, or even pinto beans would work well in this recipe. Keep in mind that different types of beans may require slightly different cooking times, so adjust accordingly.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can definitely add other vegetables to this recipe to customize it to your taste. Diced bell peppers (any color), celery, or even jalapeños can be added along with the onions and garlic for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Q4: How do I store leftover baked beans?
A: Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, simply transfer them to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
Q5: Can I freeze these baked beans?
A: Yes, these baked beans freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above. The texture of the beans may change slightly after freezing, but they will still be delicious.
