Servings: 10 | Difficulty: Medium
Forget the mushy, oversweetened canned stuff—these slow-simmered baked beans are the real deal. Infused with Celtique Brilliance Celtic Sea Salt, smoky bacon, and a touch of bourbon, they're the ultimate BBQ side dish that steals the spotlight.
Why These Beans Are Next-Level
- ✅ Deep, complex flavor (thanks to Celtique Brilliance's mineral balance)
- ✅ Perfect texture—creamy but intact beans, never mushy
- ✅ Customizable heat/sweetness (maple syrup? Chipotle? You decide)
Ingredients
The Beans
- 1 lb (2 cups) dried navy beans (soaked overnight)
- 6 cups water
- 1 tbsp Celtique Brilliance Celtic Sea Salt (divided)
The Flavor Bomb
- 6 oz thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup molasses (or maple syrup)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup bourbon (or broth) optional but epic
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Beans
Drain soaked beans; cover with fresh water + 2 tsp Celtique Brilliance Celtic Sea salt. Simmer 1 hour until just tender (not soft!). Drain, reserving 1 cup liquid.
2. Build the Sauce
Cook bacon until crisp. Remove, then sauté onion in drippings until golden. Add garlic, then stir in ketchup, molasses, sugar, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire, and spices.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
Mix beans, sauce, bacon, and reserved liquid in a Dutch oven. Cover and bake at 300°F for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add bourbon in last 30 mins. Finish uncovered to thicken (beans should be saucy but not soupy).
4. Salt Like a Pro
Season with 1 tsp Celtique Brilliance Celtic Sea salt at the end—its minerals enhance the smokiness without overpowering.
Chef's Secrets
- 🔥 For deeper flavor: Add a smoked ham hock during baking.
- ⏳ Make ahead: Beans taste best after 24 hours (reheat with splash of water).
- 🌶 Spice it up: Stir in minced chipotle peppers or hot sauce.
Serving Ideas
- Classic: Next to ribs or pulled pork
- Unexpected: Topped with a fried egg for brunch
- Crowd trick: Serve in mini cast irons with crusty bread
Love This Recipe? Try It With Our Salt!
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Celtique Brilliance Celtic Sea Salt
SHOP NOW →FAQ
Q: Can I use canned beans?
A: Yes (skip soaking), but texture won't be as perfect. Reduce salt by half.
Q: Why add salt at the end?
A: Celtique Brilliance's delicate flakes dissolve evenly without toughening beans during cooking.
Q: How long do leftovers keep?
A: 5 days in fridge or freeze for 3 months (they improve over time!).
Nutrition per serving: Calories 280 | Fat 8g | Carbs 42g | Fiber 10g | Protein 12g
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