Baked Beans

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound smoked thick-cut bacon (, sliced crosswise)
• 1 Small yellow onion (, diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (, peeled and minced)
• 45 oz. cooked or canned beans (4 1/2 cups or 3 cans, rinsed and drained) (, pinto, butter beans or red kidney)
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke
• 1 tsp. kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350° F.

2. 2

   Heat a 3 to 4 quart Dutch oven over medium heat and sautée the bacon until the fat is rendered and it just starts to brown but doesn't get crispy, about 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Remove all but about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat (you can save it for another use).

4. 4

   Add the diced onion with a pinch of salt and continue to cook over medium-low until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic during the last minute.

5. 5

   Add the beans and remaining ingredients to the pot. Gently stir to fully combine and bring to a simmer. Taste for seasoning.

6. 6

   Cover the pot and then transfer to the middle rack of the oven.

7. 7

   Bake covered for 1 hour, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

8. 8

   Remove from oven and let cool for at least 5 to 10 minutes before serving.