Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon (Southern)

Step 1

Heat oil over high heat (can skip oil if bacon is super fatty). Add bacon and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 2

Add onion and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes until onion and bacon are golden.

Step 3

Add remaining ingredients. Stir, bring to simmer, then place lid on.

Step 4

Then either turn down heat to medium low (simmering gently) and cook on the stove for 1 hour, stirring every now and then so the bottom doesn't catch. OR bake at 160°C/325°F for 60 minutes.

Step 5

SLOW COOKER option: Reduce water to 1/4 cup, transfer to slow cooker and cook for 6 hours on low.

Step 6

The sauce should be thickened (cook with lid off for a bit if not thick enough) and glossy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste at the end. See notes for serving suggestions!