Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 4-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 2

Place the bacon in a skillet or saute pan and cook for 4-5 minutes over medium heat until rendered and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3

Place the onion in the skillet with the bacon drippings and cook for 5-6 minutes or until very soft. If the pan gets dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and continue cooking until the onions are cooked to a soft stage.

Step 4

Combine the beans, onions, 3/4 of the bacon and the remaining ingredients using 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to start with in the prepared baking dish.

Step 5

Taste and adjust sweetness with more brown sugar as desired. Add the apple cider vinegar if using for a little tanginess.

Step 6

Sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top.

Step 7

Bake uncovered for 1 hour or until bubbling and the top is caramelized.