What kind of beans are best for homemade baked beans?

While traditional canned pork and beans create a great base, the best homemade baked beans use a hearty mixture! Combining soft Navy beans and creamy Northern beans adds great texture and flavor. You can also easily substitute or add kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, or even garbanzo beans depending on your preference.

How do you thicken baked beans in a slow cooker?

If your slow cooker baked beans are too thin after simmering, it is very easy to thicken them up! Simply remove the lid at the end of the cooking time, turn your crockpot to the "high" setting, and let the beans cook uncovered for about 20 to 30 minutes to allow the excess liquid to evaporate.

What does adding bourbon to baked beans do?

Adding a splash of bourbon to your baked beans elevates the flavor profile by adding a deep, smoky, and slightly sweet complexity. As the beans slow-cook, the sharp alcohol cooks off, leaving behind the rich, oaky notes of the bourbon that pair perfectly with the brown sugar, molasses, and savory bacon fat.

Can I make crockpot baked beans ahead of time?

Yes, baked beans are an excellent make-ahead dish! Cooking them a day in advance actually gives the complex flavors—like the molasses, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and bourbon—more time to meld together. Simply store the cooked beans in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat them gently on the stove or back in the slow cooker before your BBQ.

The Best Slow Cooker Bourbon Baked Beans 2026

Slow Cooker Bourbon Baked Beans

Print Recipe

These sticky, sweet slow cooker bourbon baked beans are the ultimate summer BBQ side dish. Loaded with crispy bacon, brown sugar, and a splash of bourbon, they are completely effortless and incredibly delicious!

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooker

Ingredients

6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cans (15 oz each) pork and beans, undrained
1 can (15 oz) Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) Navy beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup bourbon
2 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

Crisp the Bacon: In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, fry the chopped bacon until perfectly crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside in the fridge until later.
Sauté the Onions: Discard all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat from the skillet. Add the chopped onions to the hot fat and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Fill the Crockpot: Transfer the softened onions into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the undrained pork and beans, rinsed Northern beans, rinsed Navy beans, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, bourbon, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne.
Slow Cook: Stir the mixture very well. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
Thicken: After 4 hours, remove the lid. Turn the slow cooker heat to HIGH and let it cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Serve: Right before serving, stir in the reserved crispy bacon pieces. Enjoy hot!

Find it online: https://www.endrecipes.com/slow-cooker-bourbon-baked-beans/