📖 Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring your oven is properly heated is critical for even cooking of the casserole.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook 8 slices of bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Crumble the bacon once it's cool enough to handle. Try not to eat it all first! This step adds an irresistable smoky flavor to the dish.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Drain most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add 1 diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This forms the aromatic base of the casserole.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 (15-ounce) cans of baked beans (such as Bush's), 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's works great!), 1/4 cup of molasses, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and the sautéed onion and garlic. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. I know someone who uses honey instead of molasses and swears by it!
5. Add Bacon: Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving a small amount for topping. This step infuses the beans with the smoky flavor of the bacon.
6. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Pour the bean mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Ensure the mixture is evenly spread in the dish.
7. Top with Bacon: Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon over the top of the bean mixture. This adds a visual appeal and extra flavor to the casserole.
8. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through. Keep an eye on it; you don't want it to burn!
9. Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to cool slightly, making it easier to serve.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with some fresh parsley, if you’re feeling fancy, and serve warm. This dish pairs perfectly with grilled burgers, hot dogs, or ribs at your Memorial Day BBQ. I like to have coleslaw on the side, but that's just me.