🫘 Brown Sugar & Bacon Baked Beans — Grandma’s Crowd-Pleasing Classic

Some recipes just feel like home, and these Brown Sugar and Bacon Baked Beans are one of them.
My grandma used to whip up a big bubbling pan of these for every picnic, potluck, and holiday cookout — and the smell alone could gather the whole family in the kitchen.

They’re sweet, smoky, savory, and always the first dish to disappear.
If you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with almost no effort, this is it!

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🧾 Ingredients

• 4 cans (15 oz each) pork & beans or baked beans

• 6–8 slices bacon, chopped

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Optional: dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika

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🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until crisp.
Remove bacon and set aside. Keep 1–2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings.

2. Sauté the Onion

Add diced onion to the same pan and cook until soft and golden.

3. Combine the Beans

In a baking dish or Dutch oven, stir together:
✔ baked beans
✔ brown sugar
✔ ketchup
✔ mustard
✔ Worcestershire sauce
✔ black pepper
✔ sautéed onions
✔ half the cooked bacon

Mix until fully combined.

4. Bake

Top with the remaining bacon.
Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, until bubbly and caramelized around the edges.

5. Serve Warm

Great with BBQ chicken, burgers, hot dogs, or holiday ham — truly a side that goes with everything!

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⭐ Tips for the Best Flavor

• Add a spoonful of BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.

• Use thick-cut bacon for extra texture.

• If you like heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.