Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans are a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors that make them a perfect side dish for BBQs, picnics, and family gatherings. With rich notes from bourbon and the smoky goodness of bacon, this recipe elevates traditional baked beans to a whole new level. Whether you’re hosting a festive get-together or simply craving comfort food, these beans will surely impress your guests!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Simply soak the beans overnight and let your crockpot do the work.
Flavorful: The combination of brown sugar, molasses, and spices creates a rich flavor profile.
Versatile Use: Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or as a comforting family meal.
Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, these beans make a satisfying side dish.
Crowd-Pleaser: With their smoky flavor and sweetness, they are sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To create these mouthwatering Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans, you’ll need a few essential tools to help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Crockpot
Slotted spoon
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Ideal for soaking and boiling the beans before transferring them to the crockpot.
Skillet: Perfect for browning the bacon and sautéing onions in the delicious bacon grease.
Crockpot: The star of this recipe! It allows for slow cooking, resulting in tender beans infused with flavor.

Ingredients

Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans are full of brown sugar, molasses, and spices with the rich flavor of bourbon and bacon! Great for BBQs and holiday picnics.

For the Beans

1 lb. dry navy beans (soaked overnight)
12 oz applewood smoked bacon (chopped)
1 sweet onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Sauce

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
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: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add onions to the pan with bacon grease. Cook on medium heat until beginning to caramelize, about 15 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Combine remaining ingredients in the same large pot that you soaked the beans. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add beans back into the pot and return to boil. Pour everything into your crockpot.

Step 5: Slow Cook Everything Together

Add crisp bacon pieces along with onions and garlic into the crockpot. Cover it up! Cook on high for 5-6 hours or on low for 10-12 hours. Stir occasionally throughout cooking.

Step 6: Final Thicken Up

When beans are fully cooked, let your crockpot sit on warm setting. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour to thicken up those flavorful juices.

Enjoy your hearty Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans as they bring warmth and joy to any occasion!

How to Serve Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans

Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans are a delicious side that can elevate any meal. They pair well with various dishes and can be served in multiple ways to delight your guests.

At BBQs

Serve the baked beans alongside grilled meats like ribs or burgers for a classic BBQ spread.

As a Potluck Dish

Bring these beans to potlucks; their smoky flavor and hearty texture will make them a hit among friends and family.

With Cornbread

Pair with warm cornbread for a comforting Southern-style meal that complements the sweetness of the beans.

On Toast

Spoon the beans onto toasted bread for a unique appetizer or snack option that is sure to impress.

As a Main Dish

Enjoy them as a main dish, especially for vegetarian guests, by adding extra veggies or serving over rice.

How to Perfect Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans

Perfecting your Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

Choose quality beans – Using high-quality navy beans ensures better texture and flavor in your dish.
Adjust the bourbon – For less alcohol taste, reduce the bourbon and add more chicken stock for a richer base without overpowering flavors.
Caramelize onions – Take your time caramelizing onions to enhance their sweetness and depth in the dish.
Let it rest – Allowing the beans to sit on warm for an extra hour helps thicken the sauce and meld flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans

Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans are versatile enough to pair with many side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn complements the smoky flavor of the beans perfectly; grill it for added char.
Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of the baked beans.
Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad offers a cool contrast that pairs well with warm baked beans.
Macaroni and Cheese – The creaminess of mac and cheese makes it an indulgent side that’s always popular at gatherings.
Garlic Bread – Serve crunchy garlic bread on the side for dipping into those flavorful baked beans.
Roasted Vegetables – A medley of roasted vegetables provides color, nutrition, and texture alongside your hearty dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Skipping the soaking step: Failing to soak the beans overnight can lead to uneven cooking and tough beans. Always soak them for at least 8 hours for the best texture.
Using low-quality bacon: Cheap bacon can ruin the flavor of your baked beans. Choose high-quality applewood smoked bacon for a rich, smoky taste.
Not adjusting seasoning: Every brand of BBQ sauce is different. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spiciness in your mixture before cooking to suit your preference.
Overcrowding the crockpot: Filling your crockpot too full can prevent even cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for steam to circulate by sticking to the recommended serving size.
Neglecting to stir occasionally: Skipping this step can lead to beans burning on the bottom. Stir your beans every few hours for an evenly cooked dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
These beans can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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 for about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer portions into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Pour beans into a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans.

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes, you can substitute other beans such as pinto or kidney beans, but navy beans provide a nice creamy texture.

Is it possible to make Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans without bourbon?

Absolutely! You can omit the bourbon and replace it with additional chicken stock or apple juice for a different flavor profile.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers of Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans will last in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I make these baked beans vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. You might want to add some smoked paprika for depth.

What should I serve with these baked beans?

These delicious baked beans pair well with grilled meats, cornbread, or as part of a potluck spread. They are truly versatile!

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans are a delightful side dish that brings together smoky flavors and sweetness in every bite. Their ease of preparation makes them perfect for BBQs, holidays, or any gathering. Feel free to customize by adding different spices or using various types of bacon based on your taste preferences!

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Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Crockpot Bacon-Bourbon Baked Beans are a mouthwatering side dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Infused with rich bourbon and smoky bacon, these beans elevate any meal, making them ideal for BBQs, picnics, and family gatherings. With easy preparation in your slow cooker, you can enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as they cook slowly to perfection. This hearty dish is packed with protein and fiber, ensuring it’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing. Whether served alongside grilled meats or enjoyed as a cozy comfort food, these baked beans will impress guests of all ages. Get ready to take your next gathering to new heights with this irresistible recipe!

Ingredients

Scale

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 (or extra chicken stock)
3/4 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons molasses
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin

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Instructions

Soak the beans overnight in a large pot of water. Drain and rinse the next day.
In a skillet, brown chopped bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside on paper towels.
Sauté onions in the bacon grease until caramelized, about 15 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
In the large pot used for soaking beans, combine chicken stock, bourbon (if using), BBQ sauce, ketchup, molasses, maple syrup, brown sugar, and spices. Bring to a boil.
Add soaked beans to the pot and return to a boil before transferring everything into the crockpot.
Stir in cooked bacon along with onions and garlic. Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 10-12 hours.
After cooking, let sit on warm for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American