How To Make BBQ Baked Beans With Bacon And Ham Hocks

ham hocks

🥗Healthier: smoked turkey leg

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Smoked turkey leg offers a leaner option while maintaining flavor.

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Turkey bacon reduces fat content.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

barbecue sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade sauce

💰Cheaper: ketchup + vinegar

Homemade sauce can be tailored to taste and is often less expensive.

Soak dry navy beans in water overnight.

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy; remove and crumble.

Sauté onion and garlic in the bacon fat until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add soaked beans, crumbled bacon, ham hocks, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, barbecue sauce, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and apple cider vinegar to a large pot.

Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.

Pour in enough water to cover the beans by 1 inch.

Add bay leaves and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Check beans for doneness; they should be tender and sauce thickened.

Remove ham hocks, shred meat, and stir back into the beans before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Dietary