The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey turkey bacon

The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey turkey bacon is a delightful addition to any meal, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner. This recipe boasts a rich and smoky flavor profile, thanks to the slow-cooked navy beans enveloped in a thick brown sugar molasses sauce. Perfect for gatherings, these baked beans are not only delicious but also easy to make, providing comfort food that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of hickory smoke, molasses, and maple syrup creates a depth of flavor that is both sweet and savory.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a picnic or preparing a cozy dinner, this dish complements any meal beautifully.
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this dish without any hassle.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fiber-rich navy beans and the goodness of turkey bacon, this recipe offers both taste and nutrition.
• Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish: Serving 14 people, it’s an ideal choice for feeding larger groups without breaking the bank.

Tools and Preparation

To make The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey turkey bacon, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These tools will help you prepare the dish efficiently while ensuring great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Stockpot or oven-safe casserole dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for soaking and boiling the navy beans to achieve the perfect texture.
• Stockpot or oven-safe casserole dish: Essential for baking the beans evenly while allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.
• Cutting board and knife: Necessary for prepping your vegetables and turkey bacon with ease.

Ingredients

The Best Baked Beans slow-cooked in a naturally thick brown sugar molasses sauce with a tangy and sweet smoky hickory barbecue flavor. A classic barbecue side dish to serve at picnics using dried navy beans, molasses, brown sugar, hickory smoke flavor, apple cider vinegar, water, and Turkey turkey bacon.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb dried navy beans
– 7 cups water
– ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
– ½ tbsp mustard powder
– 2 tsp salt
– ½ tsp ground black pepper
– 1 tsp onion powder (or ½ onion, diced)
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– ½ tbsp hickory liquid smoke (found near the BBQ sauces)
– 6 tbsp unsulphured molasses (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp)
– ¼ cup pure maple syrup
– ⅓ cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 2¾ cup water
– 8 strips thick Turkey turkey bacon
– 3 tbsp Turkey turkey bacon grease
– ½ cup reserved cooked bean water

How to Make The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey turkey bacon

Step 1: Soak the Beans

Fill a large pot with water. Pour in dried navy beans, cover top, and soak for 8–12 hours. I recommend soaking them overnight for best results.

Step 2: Boil the Beans

Drain the soaked beans and rinse them to remove excess starch. In a large stockpot, bring 8 cups of fresh water along with the rinsed beans to a boil. Reduce heat to a slow boil; cook uncovered for about 1½ hours. You may add more water if needed during cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Bean Mixture

Drain the cooked beans over a bowl to save the bean water. Return the drained beans to an oven-safe stockpot or large casserole dish. Stir in light brown sugar, mustard powder, salt, pepper, onion powder (or diced onion), and minced garlic.

Step 4: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Mix in hickory liquid smoke, unsulphured molasses, pure maple syrup, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and additional water until well combined.

Step 5: Bake Initially

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the mixture uncovered in your preheated oven for about 2 hours.

Step 6: Cook Turkey turkey Bacon

While the beans are baking, cook Turkey turkey bacon on stovetop until it turns light brown but is not crispy. Cut it into chunks after cooking. Drain excess grease into a bowl.

Step 7: Combine Everything

If using raw onion instead of onion powder, sauté it in the same pan as your turkey bacon for about 2–3 minutes before adding it back to your bean mixture. Stir in reserved cooked bean water and Turkey turkey bacon grease along with chopped turkey bacon into your beans.

Step 8: Final Bake

Continue baking uncovered for another hour. Ensure you stir halfway through baking time for even cooking.

Step 9: Adjust Consistency

TIP: Add more reserved bean water if you prefer a less thick sauce or bake longer if you want it thicker.

Enjoy this hearty side dish that brings joy to every table!

How to Serve The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey turkey bacon

Serving baked beans can elevate your meal and impress your guests. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious dish.

On Toast

• Serve baked beans over toasted bread for a comforting brunch option. Try using whole grain or sourdough for added flavor.

With Grilled Meats

• Pair the baked beans with grilled chicken or turkey for a hearty barbecue feast. The smoky flavors complement each other beautifully.

As a Salad Topping

• Use baked beans as a unique topping for salads. They add protein and a sweet, tangy element that brightens up greens.

In a Burrito

• Wrap baked beans in a tortilla with cheese, avocado, and salsa for a delicious burrito. This is an excellent way to use leftovers!

As a Dip

• Serve baked beans warm as a dip with tortilla chips or crackers. Top with cheese or green onions for extra flair.

How to Perfect The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey turkey bacon

To achieve the best results with your baked beans, consider these helpful tips.

• Soak the Beans: Soaking dried navy beans overnight makes them tender and reduces cooking time.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup to suit your taste preferences.
• Experiment with Spices: Add different spices like cumin or chili powder for an extra kick of flavor.
• Control the Sauce Thickness: Adjust water during cooking if you prefer a thinner sauce or bake longer for thicker consistency.
• Cook Turkey turkey bacon Just Right: Aim for lightly browned turkey bacon; it adds flavor without becoming too crispy.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey turkey bacon

Baked beans make an excellent side dish that pairs well with many other foods. Consider these options for a complete meal.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw complements the sweetness of the baked beans and provides a refreshing contrast.
2. Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread makes the perfect accompaniment, soaking up the bean sauce beautifully.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add color and nutrition, balancing out the richness of the beans.
4. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers another comfort food option that guests will love at any gathering.
5. Macaroni and Cheese: A classic favorite, mac and cheese brings creaminess that pairs wonderfully with savory baked beans.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a delicious and healthy side that adds texture to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are some common pitfalls when making baked beans that can affect flavor and texture. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the Soaking Step: Not soaking the navy beans can lead to uneven cooking and a tough texture. Always soak them overnight for the best results.
• Neglecting Flavor Enhancers: Forgetting to add ingredients like mustard powder or onion can make your dish bland. Include these for a richer taste.
• Overcooking or Undercooking Beans: Cooking beans too long can make them mushy, while undercooking leaves them hard. Monitor cooking times closely.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap or expired ingredients can ruin your dish. Always select fresh, high-quality items for optimal flavor.
• Not Adjusting Liquid Levels: If the sauce is too thick, it can become unappetizing. Adjust liquid levels throughout cooking based on your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Use within 4–5 days for best quality.

Freezing The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey turkey bacon

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Best used within 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey turkey bacon

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this the best baked beans recipe with turkey turkey bacon?

This recipe combines sweet and smoky flavors with tender navy beans, creating a dish that is both comforting and delicious.

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes! While navy beans are traditional, you can substitute with pinto or kidney beans if desired.

How do I customize The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey turkey bacon?

Feel free to add your favorite spices or vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick!

How long does it take to cook the beans?

The total cook time is around 4 hours, which includes soaking and baking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beans a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

The Best Baked Beans Recipe with Turkey turkey bacon is not just delicious; it’s also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a family dinner, this dish will surely impress. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or vegetables. Give it a try today!