Get ready for rave reviews from friends and family when you make these slow cooker bourbon baked beans. The smell of smoky bacon, molasses, and a splash of bourbon filling the kitchen feels like a warm invitation to gather.
I like recipes like this because they practically take care of themselves. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a church potluck, or just having family over for Sunday supper, these slow cooker bourbon baked beans with bacon make entertaining easy and delicious.
Bourbon Baked Beans
These crock pot beans have a sweet and smoky flavor with that hint of bourbon that makes guests raise an eyebrow and ask, “What’s in this?” They’re perfect for stress-free hosting: toss everything in your slow cooker, and by the time guests arrive, the aroma alone will make your home feel like a Southern smokehouse. And because the flavor deepens overnight, these are wonderful make-ahead beans for any cookout or potluck table. If you enjoy this kind of deep, slow-simmered flavor, you’ll also love my Boston Baked Bean Recipe in the Crock Pot, which is just as easy to prepare.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Bacon: Hickory-smoked bacon adds that classic flavor. You can also use thick-cut or applewood for a slightly sweeter edge.
- Baked Beans: Use your favorite brand of canned baked beans. For a from-scratch version, canned navy beans or pinto beans work beautifully.
- Onion: Yellow onion gives the right balance of savory and sweet, but white or even diced shallots will do.
- Barbecue Sauce: Choose a smoky variety. Homemade versions like my Bacon and Whiskey BBQ Sauce work perfectly here.
- Molasses: Adds rich color and depth. For a twist, use pure maple syrup to make bourbon maple baked beans.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark, both add warmth and caramel sweetness.
- Bourbon: You can use your favorite brand, but I like Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Four Roses, or Jim Beam. The best bourbon for baked beans has soft caramel and vanilla notes that complement the sauce instead of overpowering it. Avoid heavily smoked bourbons that can taste bitter once cooked.
How To Make Bourbon Baked Beans
Cook the Bacon
Start by cutting cold bacon into 2-inch strips, it slices cleaner when it’s chilled. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned but not crisp.
Sauté the Onions
Add diced onions to the same skillet. Cook until translucent, soaking up all that good bacon flavor.
Mix the Sauce & Combine
In your slow cooker, combine baked beans, ketchup, BBQ sauce, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and garlic powder. Stir well, then add the cooked bacon and onions.
Slow Cook
Pour in the bourbon and sprinkle on chili flakes. Stir everything together and cover. Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours, stirring once midway through. Serve warm right from the slow cooker.
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, stir in a drizzle of maple syrup during the last 15 minutes for that sweet bourbon-maple glaze everyone loves.
Remove the lid and simmer uncovered, mash a few beans, or add a spoonful of molasses or BBQ sauce. Avoid cornstarch; it dulls the flavor.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: To make vegetarian bourbon baked beans, skip the bacon and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of Worcestershire.
Flavor Enhancements: Add chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a little heat. A spoonful of Dijon mustard gives the sauce a nice tangy finish.
Add-In Options: Smoked sausage, diced jalapeños, or chopped pulled pork are all delicious add-ins if you’re serving a crowd of meat-lovers.
Simple Substitutions: Out of molasses? Replace it with maple syrup or honey. Want to skip bourbon? Use apple juice or broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Tips for Recipe Success: Cut bacon cold for easy slicing. Let the beans sit on warm for at least 30 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens naturally.
Hospitality Challenge
Begin your evening by praying this over your plans, “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (Romans 12:13, ESV). Set out a build-your-own beans bar, keeping your slow cooker on warm. Add simple sides like cornbread, chopped onions, and shredded cheese, and a bowl of Classic Creamy Southern Coleslaw. For meat lovers, Carolina Southern Pulled Pork Loin makes an easy, tender pairing, and a slice of Moist Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect sweet ending.
More Easy Bean Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Instant Pot Baked Beans
- 16 Bean Soup: Easy Crock Pot Recipe
- One-Pot Creamy Soup With White Beans And Kale
- Chipotle Mexican Grill Black Beans Recipe
- Easy Ranch-Style Beans Recipe: Hearty Tex-Mex Flavor
These slow cooker bourbon baked beans with bacon are everything you love about Southern comfort cooking: easy, rich, and full of flavor. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Bourbon Baked Beans: Slow Cooker Recipe
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon
- 112 ounces baked beans, 4 cans, 28 ounces each
- ½ cup onion, yellow, diced
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup molasses
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried red chili flakes
- 3 tablespoons bourbon, your favorite brand
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
- Dice the onion and measure out all remaining ingredients.½ cup onion
- Cut bacon into 2-inch strips using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife.8 ounces bacon
Cook Bacon and Onions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the bacon until it is done but not yet crispy. Drain off the extra grease, leaving the bacon in the pan.
- Add diced onions and cook until softened and translucent. Turn off the heat.½ cup onion
Mix in Slow Cooker
- Pour baked beans into the slow cooker.112 ounces baked beans
- Stir in ketchup, barbecue sauce, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.¾ cup ketchup, ½ cup barbecue sauce, ¼ cup molasses, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Add the cooked bacon and onions.
- Pour bourbon over the top, sprinkle in chili flakes, and stir well to combine.3 tablespoons bourbon, ½ teaspoon dried red chili flakes
Cook
- Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 7 hours.
- Serve hot.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Room Temperature: Let beans cool for about 30 minutes before refrigerating.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Microwave in intervals, warm on the stovetop, or heat in the slow cooker on high for 1 hour. - Hosting Tip: These beans taste even better the next day, so they’re a perfect make-ahead dish for busy gatherings.
