Brown Sugar & Bacon Baked Beans

Ingredients

• 4 cans (15 oz each) Navy beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ lb. bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped
• 1 cup tomato ketchup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup molasses
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Wood pellets (fruitwood like apple or hickory for a smoky flavor)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Pellet Smoker:
   • Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F (107°C)using fruitwood pellets for a smoky flavor.
2. Cook Bacon and Vegetables:
   • In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the skillet. Add chopped onions, diced red bell pepper, diced green bell pepper, and chopped jalapeños. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained navy beans with the sautéed bacon and vegetables
4. Make the Sauce:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together tomato ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the sweetness and acidity to your liking.
5. Mix Everything Together:
   • Pour the sauce over the bean mixture and stir until all the ingredients are well coated.
6. Transfer to a Smoker-Safe Dish:
   • Transfer the bean mixture to a smoker-safe dish, ensuring it's spread evenly.
7. Smoke the Baked Beans:
   • Place the dish directly on the preheated smoker grates. Smoke the baked beans at 225°F for 2 to 2.5 hours. This allows the beans to absorb the smoky flavor while developing a rich and savory profile.
8. Check for Consistency:
   • Periodically check the beans and stir gently to ensure even smoking. If the beans seem too dry, you can add a small amount of water or apple juice.
9. Check for Doneness
   • Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The beans are ready when they have a thick and rich consistency.
10. Rest and Serve:
    • Once done, remove the smoked brown sugar and bacon baked beans from the pellet smoker. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
11. Garnish and Enjoy:
    • Garnish the baked beans with additional diced bacon or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot as a flavorful side dish at your barbecue or alongside grilled meats.

This Smoked Brown Sugar & Bacon Baked Beans recipe transforms a classic side dish into a smoky sensation. The combination of brown sugar, bacon, and a hint of jalapeño adds layers of flavor to these beans, making them a standout addition to any outdoor meal. Adjust the spice level and sweetness to suit your preferences, and savor the rich, smoky goodness from your Blackstone Pellet Grill.