Ingredients for BBQ Baked Beans:

1. Dry Great Northern or Navy Beans: These beans serve as the hearty base of the dish, providing a creamy texture that absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
2. Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the beans, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
3. Ketchup: Offers a tangy tomato base that contributes to the sauce’s richness and balances the sweetness.
4. Brown Sugar: Introduces sweetness that complements the tanginess of the ketchup and the smokiness of the bacon.
5. Molasses: Adds a deep, robust sweetness and a hint of bitterness, enriching the sauce’s complexity.
6. Dijon or Brown Mustard: Provides a subtle sharpness that cuts through the sweetness, adding balance.
7. Coarse Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures the dish is well-seasoned.
8. Mesquite Powder or Liquid Smoke Imparts a smoky flavor, giving the beans a barbecue essence even if not cooked on a grill.
9. Fresh Black Pepper Adds a mild heat and depth to the dish.
10. Bay Leaves: Infuse the beans with subtle herbal notes during the cooking process.
11. Thick-Sliced Bacon Provides a smoky, savory element and a pleasant texture contrast.

How to Make BBQ Baked Beans:

1. Soak the Beans: Place the beans in a large, oven-safe pot and cover with water by about 2 inches. Cover the pot and let the beans soak for 1 to 2 hours.
2. Initial Cooking: Drain the soaked beans and refill the pot with fresh water, covering the beans by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1 hour. Drain the beans, reserving the cooking liquid.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pot, combine the drained beans, 2 cups of the reserved cooking liquid, chopped onion, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, salt, mesquite powder or liquid smoke, black pepper, bay leaves, and cooked bacon. Mix well; the mixture may seem loose, but it will thicken during cooking.
4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover the pot and bake for 5 hours, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too thick, add more of the reserved cooking liquid as needed. The sauce should thicken to your desired consistency by the end of the cooking time.

Reasons You’ll Love This Dish:

• Rich Flavor: The combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy elements creates a complex and satisfying taste.
• Hearty and Filling: The beans provide a good source of protein and fiber, making it a substantial side dish.
• Versatile Pairing: Complements a variety of main dishes, especially grilled or smoked meats.
• Homemade Goodness: Using dried beans and a blend of ingredients allows for a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with canned beans.

Storage and Reheating:

• Refrigeration: Allow the beans to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the desired portion in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings, covered, in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through the heating process.
• Avoid Freezing: Freezing can alter the texture of the beans, making them mushy upon reheating. It’s best to consume them fresh or within the refrigerated storage period.

Enjoy your homemade BBQ baked beans as a delightful addition to your meals!