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Crispy Bacon Baked Bean Casserole Recipe with Cheddar Crust Easy and Perfect

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A comforting casserole combining smoky bacon, sweet baked beans, and a crispy cheddar cheese crust. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (about 1 kg) canned or homemade baked beans (preferably Bush’s Original)
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 cups (about 200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 7-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet with bacon fat, add diced onion and cook until translucent, around 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. In a large bowl, combine baked beans, sautéed onions and garlic, cooked bacon (reserve a handful for topping), brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently but thoroughly to blend flavors.
  5. Pour the bean mixture into your baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, ensuring a generous, even layer. Dot the reserved bacon pieces over the cheese.
  6. Lightly brush the melted butter over the cheese layer to help develop a golden, crispy crust.
  7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and edges are slightly caramelized.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If cheese browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for best melting and flavor. For a leaner option, substitute turkey bacon. For gluten-free, verify baked beans and Worcestershire sauce labels. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) covered loosely with foil to keep crust crispy. Avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked bean casserole, bacon casserole, cheddar crust, comfort food, easy casserole, potluck recipe, family dinner

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/crispy-bacon-baked-bean-casserole-recipe-with-cheddar-crust-easy-and-perfect/