Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans, a perfect side dish for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners. This scrumptious recipe combines tender navy or great northern beans with a delicious medley of smoky ham, zesty spices, and the sweet undertones of molasses and bourbon. A delightful blend of tangy tomato sauce and apple cider creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats the beans, making every bite a flavorful experience. Serve these beans warm alongside grilled meats or as a hearty dish on their own, and watch them disappear from your table!
6
Servings
379
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
navy beans or great northern beans
1 lb (rinsed)
medium onion
1 (finely chopped)
tomato sauce
1/2 cup (none)
apple cider
1/2 cup (none)
molasses
1/4 cup (none)
Bourbon
2 tablespoons (none)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
dry mustard
1 tablespoon (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
smoked ham
8 ounces (finely diced)
Instructions
1
Soak the beans in a large bowl of cold water overnight, or if you're short on time, bring them to a boil for 2 minutes, cover, and let them sit for 1 hour.
2
After soaking, drain the beans and place them in a large saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover the beans by at least 2 inches. Stir in the finely chopped onion.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil uncovered for about 10 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until the beans are tender, which should take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
4
While the beans are cooking, prepare the sauce by combining all remaining ingredients (except for the ham) in a mixing bowl. Mix well and set aside.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6
Once the beans are tender, drain them but reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Transfer the beans to a medium casserole dish. Pour the prepared sauce over the beans and stir to coat evenly.
7
Fold in the diced smoked ham and the reserved liquid. Ensure the mixture is spread evenly in the casserole dish.
8
Cover the casserole with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes. After this time, remove the cover and continue baking until the liquid is almost completely absorbed, which should take another 1 to 1.5 hours. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Nutrition Information
0.8g
Fat
65g
Carbs
16g
Protein
5.8g
Fiber
11g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans?
Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans are a rich and savory side dish featuring navy or great northern beans, smoked ham, and a sauce flavored with molasses, bourbon, and apple cider.
What type of beans are best for this recipe?
This recipe recommends using 1 pound of dried navy beans or great northern beans for the best texture and flavor.
Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?
While the recipe calls for dry beans, you can use canned beans; however, you will need to significantly reduce the stovetop simmering and baking times as the beans are already cooked.
How long should I soak the beans?
You should soak the dry beans in a large bowl of cold water overnight for the best results.
Is there a quick-soak method for the beans?
Yes, if you are short on time, bring the beans to a boil for 2 minutes, then cover and let them sit for 1 hour before draining.
What is the cooking temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for the baking stage of the recipe.
How long does it take to simmer the beans on the stove?
After the initial soak and boil, the beans should simmer for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours until they are tender.
Why do I need to reserve the cooking liquid?
Reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid helps maintain the moisture level and consistency of the beans while they bake in the oven.
Can I make this recipe without bourbon?
Yes, you can omit the bourbon if preferred. You can substitute it with a bit of extra apple cider or water.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The original recipe includes smoked ham, but it can be made vegetarian by omitting the ham and ensuring your Worcestershire sauce is a vegan-friendly version.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What are the nutritional facts for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 379 calories, 16g of protein, 65g of carbohydrates, 0.8g of fat, and 5.8g of fiber.
What gives the beans their smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from the addition of 8 ounces of finely diced smoked ham and the unique depth provided by the bourbon.
How long do the beans bake in the oven?
The beans bake covered for 35 minutes, and then uncovered for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Can I substitute the molasses?
While molasses provides a distinct deep flavor, you could substitute it with dark corn syrup or maple syrup, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
What should I serve with Smoky Bourbon Baked Beans?
These beans are perfect for summer barbecues and pair well with grilled meats, cornbread, or as a hearty side for family dinners.
Can I use a different type of onion?
A standard yellow or white medium onion works best, but you can use a red onion for a slightly sharper flavor.
Is there a substitute for apple cider?
You can use apple juice as a substitute, or a mixture of water and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
What type of bourbon should I use?
Any standard drinking bourbon will work well; you don't need an expensive bottle for cooking purposes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Can these baked beans be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked beans in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What if my beans are still hard after simmering?
If the beans are still hard, they may be old or the water may be too hard. Continue simmering until they reach the desired tenderness before moving to the oven.
Do I need to rinse the beans before starting?
Yes, always rinse dry beans to remove any dust or debris before soaking and cooking.
Can I use bacon instead of ham?
Yes, cooked and crumbled bacon is a great substitute for smoked ham and will still provide a smoky element.
Is the sugar content high in this recipe?
The recipe contains 11g of sugar per serving, primarily from the molasses and brown sugar.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, after the initial boiling and simmering stages, you can transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A medium-sized casserole dish (approximately 2 to 2.5 quarts) is ideal for this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To ensure it is gluten-free, verify that your Worcestershire sauce and bourbon are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain trace amounts.
Can I add more spice to the beans?
Absolutely. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for extra heat.
Why do I bake them uncovered for the final hour?
Baking uncovered allows the sauce to reduce and thicken, creating a rich, syrupy glaze over the beans.