Description
Apple Butter Bourbon Baked Beans are a flavorful twist on the classic barbecue side dish, combining sweet apple butter, smoky bacon, and a hint of bourbon for a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. These baked beans are simmered on the stovetop before being baked low and slow in the oven to develop rich, hearty taste and a thick texture. Ideal for fall potlucks, game day gatherings, tailgating, or any time you crave a comforting bean dish with a seasonal autumn touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4–6 slices of bacon, chopped (thick cut or regular)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (or hot pepper of your choice)
- 1½ tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 1 cup apple butter (or substitute with applesauce)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store bought or homemade)
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup maple syrup (brown sugar can be substituted)
- 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1½ tablespoons organic unsulphured molasses
- 3 cans (3 x 19 oz) mixed beans drained and rinsed (pinto and great northern beans recommended)
- ½ cup water or broth
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the beans after stovetop cooking.
- Cook Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until the fat is rendered and bacon is golden and crispy, about 7-10 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and jalapeño pepper to the skillet with the bacon. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to deepen in flavor and coat the aromatics.
- Deglaze with Bourbon: Pour in the bourbon to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom to lift all the flavorful browned bits into the mixture.
- Mix Sauces and Spices: Stir in apple butter, BBQ sauce, ketchup, maple syrup, mustard, paprika, cumin, and molasses until well combined with the bacon and aromatics.
- Add Beans and Broth: Fold in the drained beans and ½ cup of water or broth, stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop.
- Bake the Beans: Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven (or pour contents into an 8×10 inch casserole dish). Bake uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beans are thickened, bubbling, and flavors have melded beautifully.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the baked beans rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and the dish to thicken slightly.
Notes
- Choose a barbecue sauce that is neutral in flavor to avoid overpowering the apple butter sweetness.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetarian baked beans.
- Before baking, taste the mixture and adjust seasonings, sweetness, or heat to your preference.
- Ideal beans for this recipe are thicker-skinned varieties like navy, kidney, pinto, or Great Northern beans to hold shape and creaminess.
- Dry beans can be soaked and cooked ahead for a cost-effective and healthy option, though canned beans offer convenience.
- Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or freeze for up to 6 months for best quality.
- Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked beans, apple butter baked beans, bourbon beans, barbecue side dish, fall recipes, game day recipes, tailgating food, apple butter recipes
