Root Beer Baked Beans (Print Version)

Bacon, root beer, and barbecue sauce create a rich, bold flavor for tender baked beans.

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 3 slices bacon
02 - 1 small onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cans pork and beans (each 450 g)

→ Sauce Components

04 - 120 ml root beer (not diet)
05 - 60 ml smoky barbecue sauce
06 - 0.25 ml hot sauce

# Instructions:

01 - Set oven to 200°C and allow to fully preheat.
02 - Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain, reserving 30 ml of bacon fat in the skillet. Crumble the cooked bacon and set aside.
03 - Using the reserved bacon fat, sauté diced onion over high heat for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
04 - In a lightly greased 1-litre baking dish, mix the sautéed onion, crumbled bacon, pork and beans, root beer, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce until evenly combined.
05 - Bake uncovered for 55 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened and the flavors are fully developed.
06 - Serve warm as an accompaniment to grilled meats or as a robust main on its own.

# Notes:

01 - Allow the beans to rest for a few minutes after baking; this enhances the flavor and improves sauce consistency.