Step 1: Cook the bacon
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until browned and slightly crispy. Remove a little of the bacon grease if there is a large amount, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons in the pan.
Step 2: Sauté the onion
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 4–5 minutes, until softened and lightly golden.
Step 3: Make the sauce
Add the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and water or beef broth. Stir everything together and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the beans
Stir in the drained beans and cooked bacon. Mix gently so the beans remain intact.
Step 5: Bake the beans
Transfer everything to a greased baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the sauce is thick, glossy, and bubbling around the edges.
Homemade Cornbread
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter for the pan
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a cast-iron skillet or 8-inch square baking pan with the oil or melted butter.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Add the wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Pour into the pan
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Rest and serve
Let the cornbread rest for about 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Serve a generous piece of warm cornbread alongside the smoky baked beans. For an extra-rich finish, add a little butter to the warm cornbread just before serving.
Sweet, smoky beans + golden homemade cornbread = pure comfort food. Would you eat this classic combination? 🌽🥓🫘
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