Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans are a must-try for any gathering. The perfect blend of sweet and savory, these beans combine the richness of bourbon with the smoky flavor of bacon. They’re not just great for BBQs; these beans shine at holiday picnics and potlucks too! With minimal effort, you can create a dish that will impress your guests and leave them asking for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of bourbon, bacon, and spices creates an irresistible taste that elevates any meal.
- Easy Preparation: Simply soak the beans overnight, toss everything into your crockpot, and let it do the work!
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for BBQs, picnics, or even as a hearty main dish.
- Great for Meal Prep: These baked beans store well in the fridge and taste even better the next day!
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 9-12 servings, they are ideal for feeding a larger group at gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
To make Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure your cooking process is smooth.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Crockpot
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for soaking and boiling the beans before adding them to the crockpot.
- Skillet: Perfect for browning bacon and caramelizing onions which enhances overall flavor.
- Crockpot: Allows for slow cooking that makes the beans tender while blending all flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
Beans
- 1 lb. dry navy beans (soaked overnight)
Meat & Vegetables
- 12 oz applewood smoked bacon (chopped)
- 1 sweet onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup bourbon (can omit & add additional chicken stock in its place)
- 3/4 cup BBQ Sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Sweeteners & Spices
- 2 Tablespoons molasses
- 3 Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
How to Make Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans
Step 1: Soak the Beans
- Pour beans into a large pot.
- Cover with water and let sit overnight.
- The next morning, drain and rinse beans then set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Bacon
- In a large skillet, brown chopped bacon until crisp.
- Remove with slotted spoon to a paper towel to drain excess grease.
Step 3: Caramelize Onions and Garlic
- Add onions to the skillet with leftover bacon grease.
- Cook on medium heat until beginning to caramelize, about 15 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Pot
- In the same large pot used for soaking beans, combine remaining ingredients.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add soaked beans and return mixture to boil.
- Pour everything into your crockpot.
Step 5: Mix in Bacon and Cook
- Add crisp bacon along with caramelized onions and garlic into the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours or on low for 10-12 hours.
- Stir occasionally during cooking.
Step 6: Thicken Before Serving
- When beans are fully cooked, let crockpot sit on warm setting.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour to thicken sauce before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans!
How to Serve Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans
Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans are a delicious and hearty dish perfect for any gathering. Here are some excellent serving suggestions to complement this savory side.
Serve with Grilled Meats
- BBQ Ribs – The smoky flavor of the ribs pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory beans.
- Grilled Chicken – Juicy grilled chicken provides a light contrast to the rich flavors of the beans.
Pair with Fresh Salads
- Coleslaw – A crunchy, tangy coleslaw adds freshness that balances the dish’s richness.
- Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad is a classic side that enhances the comfort food vibe.
Enjoy as a Standalone Dish
- Baked Potato Bar – Use the beans as a topping for baked potatoes along with cheese and sour cream.
- Toast or Cornbread – Serve the beans over toasted bread or alongside cornbread for a filling meal.
How to Perfect Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans
To ensure your Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Soak Your Beans – Soaking navy beans overnight helps them cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
- Adjust Bourbon Amount – If you’re concerned about the alcohol, you can reduce the bourbon or omit it entirely, replacing it with chicken stock.
- Layer Flavors – Sautéing bacon first allows its fat to flavor the onions and garlic, enhancing the overall taste.
- Monitor Cooking Time – Keep an eye on your crockpot; stir occasionally for even cooking and adjust timing based on your slow cooker model.
- Thicken Wisely – Letting the beans sit on warm for an extra 30 minutes thickens the sauce without additional effort.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans
Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans make for an excellent side dish but can be enhanced by serving them alongside these favorites.
- Cornbread – Sweet, moist cornbread complements the smoky beans and makes for a satisfying meal.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese creates a comforting duo with baked beans that everyone loves.
- Coleslaw – The crunchiness of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the soft texture of baked beans.
- Potato Salad – A creamy potato salad filled with herbs enhances any BBQ spread alongside baked beans.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – These caramelized bites offer a delightful crunch that pairs well with sweet baked beans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Soaking Step: Not soaking the beans overnight can lead to uneven cooking. Always soak your beans in water for at least 8 hours before cooking to ensure they’re tender.
- Using Low-Quality Bacon: Cheap bacon can result in less flavor. Choose high-quality applewood smoked bacon for the best taste in your baked beans.
- Neglecting Spice Adjustments: Forgetting to taste and adjust spices can make your dish bland. Be sure to taste during cooking and add more spices or sweetness as needed.
- Overcrowding the Crockpot: Filling the crockpot too full can prevent even cooking. Make sure not to exceed the recommended level so your beans cook perfectly.
- Not Stirring Occasionally: Failing to stir can cause uneven cooking. Remember to give your beans a gentle stir every couple of hours for consistent results.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Let the beans cool completely before sealing them in the fridge.
Freezing Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place beans in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot, stirring between sessions.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans special?
These beans are infused with rich flavors from bourbon and bacon, making them a delicious side dish for any gathering.
Can I make this recipe without bourbon?
Yes! You can omit bourbon and replace it with additional chicken stock if desired. The beans will still be flavorful.
How long do Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans take to cook?
Cooking time varies. On high, they take about 5-6 hours; on low, around 10-12 hours.
Are there any variations I can try?
Absolutely! You can customize by adding different spices or vegetables such as bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Can I use canned beans instead of dry?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use canned navy beans. Just reduce the cooking time significantly since they’re already cooked.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that elevate any meal. They’re not only great for BBQs but also versatile enough for potlucks or family gatherings. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients or spices for a personal touch!
Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans are a flavor-packed dish that combines the sweetness of maple syrup and molasses with the smoky richness of bacon and the warmth of bourbon. This easy recipe allows you to create a crowd-pleasing side dish with minimal effort, making it perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. With its hearty texture and delightful blend of ingredients, these baked beans will have your guests coming back for seconds. Just soak the beans overnight, toss everything in the crockpot, and let it slowly cook until perfectly tender. Your gatherings will never be the same!
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry navy beans (soaked overnight)
- 12 oz applewood smoked bacon (chopped)
- 1 sweet onion (chopped)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup bourbon (or additional chicken stock)
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Soak the beans overnight in a large pot of water. Drain and rinse before use.
- In a skillet, brown chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, caramelize chopped onion in the bacon grease for about 15 minutes, then add minced garlic for an additional 2 minutes.
- In a large pot, combine soaked beans, chicken stock, bourbon (if using), BBQ sauce, ketchup, molasses, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil then transfer to your crockpot.
- Stir in the cooked bacon along with onions and garlic into the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 10-12 hours. Stir occasionally.
- For thicker sauce, let sit on warm for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (high) / 10 hours (low)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Leave a Comment