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My Famous Root Beer Baked Beans
I stumbled upon this recipe when I ran out of brown sugar one day and grabbed a can of root beer instead. That happy accident turned into our family's most requested BBQ side dish. The root beer gives these beans such a unique depth of flavor that people can never quite put their finger on but always love.
What Makes These Beans Special
The magic happens when that root beer starts caramelizing with the bacon and spices. My neighbor swears these are the best beans she's ever tasted and now brings an empty container to every cookout hoping to take some home. The combination of sweet and smoky flavors just works perfectly together.
Here's What You'll Need
- Navy Beans: 2 cups dried; perfect for absorbing the rich flavors.
- Root Beer: 1 cup; adds a unique sweetness and depth.
- Bacon: 4 slices, thick-cut and crispy; for a smoky, savory touch.
- Onion & Bell Pepper: 1 small onion and 1 green bell pepper, chopped; add freshness and balance.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced; for an aromatic base.
- Broth: 6 cups chicken or vegetable; for cooking the beans.
- Sauces & Sweeteners: Ketchup (⅓ cup), BBQ sauce (⅓ cup), maple syrup (¼ cup), molasses (2 tbsp), brown sugar (2 tbsp); provide the sweet and tangy layers.
- Spices & Seasonings: Chili powder (¾ tsp), Dijon mustard (2 tbsp), Worcestershire sauce (2 tbsp), salt (¾ tsp), pepper (½ tsp); for depth and complexity.
Let's Cook Together
- Soak the Beans
- Rinse and soak the navy beans overnight in water or use the quick soak method by boiling for 1 hour. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beans
- In a large oven-safe pot, simmer the soaked beans in 6 cups of broth or water for 1 hour.
- Prepare Bacon and Vegetables
- Cook bacon until crispy and set aside. Sauté chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic in the bacon fat until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Mix the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together root beer, ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, maple syrup, molasses, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Combine Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Add sautéed vegetables, chopped bacon, and sauce to the beans. Stir well to combine.
- Bake
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Stir, reduce temperature to 300°F, and bake uncovered for another hour. Finally, reduce to 250°F, cover, and bake for 2 more hours until beans are tender.
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Serving Up Some Love
I love serving these beans hot from the oven alongside smoky ribs or juicy burgers. Sometimes I add a splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving it brightens up all those rich flavors. The leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for about 5 days if they last that long. When I'm planning ahead I make a double batch and freeze some for later.
My Kitchen Wisdom
After years of making these beans I've learned that patience is key. Those long hours of slow baking really let all the flavors meld together perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle fresh parsley on top or drizzle with extra BBQ sauce just before serving. The secret really is finding that perfect balance between the sweet root beer and savory bacon it's what makes people come back for seconds every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
While dried beans provide the best texture, you can use canned navy beans. Skip the soaking and initial cooking step, but reduce the liquid amount accordingly. You'll need about 4-5 cans, drained and rinsed.
- → What type of root beer works best?
Use a quality root beer with real sugar rather than diet or artificial sweeteners. The flavor will concentrate during cooking, so choose a brand you enjoy drinking.
- → Can I make these beans vegetarian?
Yes, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke and an extra tablespoon of oil for sautéing the vegetables to replace the bacon flavor.
- → Why do the beans cook for so long?
The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to develop fully and the sauce to thicken. It also ensures the beans become perfectly tender while absorbing all the flavors.
- → Can I make these beans in advance?
These beans actually taste better the next day. You can make them up to 3 days ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a bit of liquid if needed.
Conclusion
These baked beans get their unique flavor from root beer combined with traditional ingredients like bacon, maple syrup, and BBQ sauce. Though time-consuming, the result is a rich, flavorful side dish.