The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon

The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon is a delicious and hearty side dish that everyone will love. These beans are slow-cooked to perfection in a rich brown sugar molasses sauce, enhanced by a smoky hickory flavor. Whether it’s for a summer barbecue, a cozy family dinner, or a festive picnic, this recipe shines on any occasion. The turkey bacon adds a savory twist, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, molasses, and hickory smoke creates a sweet and smoky taste that pairs perfectly with any meal.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this classic side dish without hassle.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a barbecue side, for holiday gatherings, or as a comforting addition to weeknight dinners.
• Healthy Twist: Using turkey bacon provides all the savory flavor you want while keeping it lighter than traditional recipes.
• Make Ahead Option: These baked beans can be made in advance and reheated, making them ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To create The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Ensuring you have the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Stockpot or oven-safe casserole dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Strainer

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Necessary for soaking and boiling the navy beans until tender.
• Stockpot or oven-safe casserole dish: Ideal for baking your beans slowly to develop deep flavors.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurately measuring your ingredients, which ensures consistent results.
• Wooden spoon for stirring: Strong enough to mix hearty ingredients without scratching your pots.

Ingredients

The following ingredients are needed for The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon:

• 1 lb dried navy beans
• 7 cups water
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ tbsp mustard powder
• 2 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder (or ½ onion, diced)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tbsp hickory liquid smoke (found near the BBQ sauces)
• 6 tbsp unsulphured molasses (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2¾ cups water
• 8 strips thick Turkey Bacon
• 3 tbsp Turkey Bacon grease
• ½ cup reserved cooked bean water

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon

Step 1: Soak the Beans

Fill a large pot with water. Pour in navy beans, cover top, and soak for 8–12 hours. I soak mine overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Beans

Drain beans, rinse to remove excess starch, and discard water. In a large stockpot, bring 8 cups of water and beans to a boil. Reduce heat to slow boil; cook uncovered for 1½ hours. Add more water if needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Bean Mixture

Drain beans over a bowl; save cooked bean water. Return beans to an oven-safe stockpot or large oven-safe casserole dish. Stir in brown sugar, mustard powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, and minced garlic (if using fresh onion instead; save it to cook with turkey bacon).

Step 4: Add Flavorings

Stir in hickory smoke, molasses, maple syrup, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and remaining water.

Step 5: Bake Initial Phase

Bake uncovered in a preheated 300°F oven for about 2 hours.

Step 6: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Cook turkey bacon on stovetop until light brown but not crispy. Cut into chunks. Drain turkey bacon grease into a bowl. If using raw onion, cook for 2–3 minutes, then add to pot.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Stir reserved cooked bean water (½ cup), turkey bacon grease (3 tbsp), and turkey bacon into pot.

Step 8: Final Bake

Cook uncovered for an additional hour while stirring halfway through baking.

Tip:

Add more water if you prefer a less thick sauce or bake longer to thicken it further.

How to Serve The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon

Serving The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon can elevate any meal or gathering. These savory beans pair well with various foods, making them a versatile side dish.

At a Summer Barbecue

• Grilled Meats: Serve alongside burgers or hot dogs for a classic barbecue vibe.
• Cornbread: A sweet cornbread complements the smoky flavor of the baked beans beautifully.

At a Potluck

• Chips and Dip: Offer tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy contrast.
• Coleslaw: This cool, creamy salad balances the rich flavors of the beans.

As a Comfort Food Dish

• Mashed Potatoes: A hearty scoop of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with baked beans for a filling meal.
• Fried Chicken: The crispy texture of fried chicken works wonderfully with the softness of the beans.

How to Perfect The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon

To ensure you achieve perfect results every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Soak Beans Overnight: This helps them cook evenly and reduces cooking time.
• Adjust Sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup according to your taste preference.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions enhance the flavor more than dried versions.
• Monitor Sauce Thickness: Add water during baking if you prefer a thinner sauce consistency.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
• Let Them Rest: Allow the baked beans to sit for 15 minutes before serving; this helps flavors meld together.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon

Pairing side dishes with your baked beans can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds crunch and complements the smoky flavor.
2. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of baked beans.
3. Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread is perfect for scooping up those delicious baked beans.
4. Macaroni and Cheese: This cheesy dish pairs wonderfully with the heartiness of baked beans.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables bring color and nutrition to your plate while balancing flavors.
6. Deviled Eggs: These classic appetizers offer a light bite that complements heavy sides like baked beans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the taste and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Soaking Step: Not soaking the navy beans can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to soak them overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
• Using Too Much Liquid: Adding excessive water can dilute the flavor of your baked beans. Stick to the recommended amounts in the recipe for a rich, thick sauce.
• Overcooking or Undercooking Turkey Bacon: Cooking Turkey Bacon too long can make it overly crispy, while undercooking may leave it chewy. Aim for a light brown color before adding it to your beans.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Each brand of ingredients varies in flavor intensity. Taste and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper according to your preference for the best results.
• Not Saving Bean Water: Discarding the cooked bean water means losing valuable flavor. Reserve it as instructed; it adds depth to your dish when mixed with other ingredients.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon will last for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• These baked beans can be frozen for up to 3 months; just leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.

Reheating The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place baked beans in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion of baked beans into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and reheat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if needed until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon?

The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon features tender navy beans cooked slowly in a sweet and smoky sauce made from brown sugar, molasses, and hickory smoke flavor, along with savory turkey bacon pieces.

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes! While navy beans are traditional, you can substitute them with pinto or great northern beans if desired. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary slightly.

How do I customize this recipe?

Feel free to adjust sweetness levels by adding more or less brown sugar and maple syrup. You can also experiment with different spices or add vegetables like bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

Can I make The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish tastes even better when made ahead because flavors meld beautifully as they sit. Just store it properly in the refrigerator or freezer before reheating.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon makes a great meal prep option since it stores well and reheats easily. Perfect for busy weeks!

Final Thoughts

The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey Bacon stands out as both delicious and versatile. Its combination of sweet, smoky flavors paired with tender beans makes it an ideal side dish for barbecues or family gatherings. Plus, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Give this delightful recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!