Kentucky-Style Campfire-Grilled Bourbon Baked Beans

Introduction

Nothing says comfort food like slow-cooked, smoky Kentucky-style bourbon baked beans. These beans absorb the rich, deep flavors of bourbon, smoky firewood, and caramelized brown sugar as they grill to perfection on the Arteflame. Cooking them on the flat cooktop allows for even heat distribution, caramelizing every bite while keeping them tender and delicious. This dish is a must-have for any BBQ gathering and pairs well with grilled meats and cornbread. Let's get grilling!

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked navy beans (or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1/2 lb bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins inside the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the paper and wait about 20 minutes for the grill to heat up.

Step 2: Cook the bacon and onions

1. Place the chopped bacon onto the Arteflame cooktop near the center for extra heat.
2. Let it sizzle and render its fat for about 5 minutes.
3. Push the crispy bacon to a cooler zone of the cooktop.
4. Add the diced onions into the bacon grease.
5. Cook until onions turn soft and caramelized, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the sauce

1. Move the onions and bacon to the center griddle.
2. Add ketchup, molasses, dark brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes to combine flavors.
4. Pour in the bourbon and let it simmer for another 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
5. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Combine and slow-cook the beans

1. Move the sauce to a medium heat zone on the cooktop.
2. Add the cooked navy beans and coat them evenly.
3. Let the beans cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

1. Once the beans are thick and caramelized, remove them from the grill.
2. Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite BBQ meats and cornbread.

Tips

• For extra smokiness, add a few wood chips to the fire while cooking.
• Use thick-cut bacon for deeper flavor.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar.
• Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Pair with grilled sausage or ribs for the ultimate BBQ experience.

Variations

1. Spicy Bourbon Beans: Add 1-2 tbsp hot sauce and 1 tsp cayenne powder for a fiery twist.
2. Maple-Glazed Beans: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup for a rich, smoky-sweet flavor.
3. BBQ Brisket Beans: Stir in shredded smoked brisket for a heartier dish.
4. Vegetarian Beans: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh and use a splash of liquid smoke.
5. Southern Collard Greens Beans: Mix in some sautéed collard greens for a Southern touch.

Best pairings

• Smoked ribs
• Grilled cornbread
• Fire-roasted corn on the cob
• BBQ chicken
• Cold Kentucky bourbon cocktail

Conclusion

These Kentucky-style bourbon baked beans bring out the best of smoked flavors with a sweet, tangy, and rich profile. Perfectly cooked on the Arteflame grill, they complement any BBQ feast. Try them at your next cookout and watch them disappear fast!