Get ready to revolutionize your BBQ side dish game with the most mind-blowing baked beans recipe you've ever tasted! Imagine classic baked beans transformed by the magical sweetness of root beer and the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. This Root Beer Baked Beans with Bacon isn't just a side dish—it's a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Prepare to elevate your culinary skills and impress everyone at your next gathering with this uniquely delicious American classic that combines comfort food with unexpected gourmet flair!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans of baked beans
- 1 cup root beer
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- In a large oven-safe casserole dish, empty the two cans of baked beans, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
- Finely chop the onion and bacon into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the beans.
- Add the root beer to the beans, stirring gently to incorporate without breaking down the beans' texture.
- Mix in the brown sugar, creating a sweet and caramelizing base for the beans.
- Stir in the mustard, which will add a tangy depth of flavor to the dish.
- Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the top of the bean mixture.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive moisture loss and promote even cooking.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of cooking to allow the bacon to crisp and the top to caramelize.
- Check periodically and stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Remove from the oven when the beans are bubbling and the top is slightly browned and crispy.
- Let the beans rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to cool slightly.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with additional crispy bacon bits if desired.
Tips
- • For the best flavor, use a high-quality root beer with a rich, complex taste—craft or small-batch brands work wonderfully. • Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and flavor intensity. • Don't rush the baking process; slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and caramelize beautifully. • If the beans start looking too dry during cooking, add a splash more root beer to maintain moisture. • For extra depth, consider using a smoky-style mustard instead of traditional yellow mustard. • Let the beans rest after cooking to allow the flavors to fully meld and the sauce to slightly thicken. • Serve in a cast-iron skillet for rustic presentation and to keep the beans warm at the table.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
