Irresistible Baked Beans: A Comfort Food Classic Recipe

The aroma of baked beans wafts through the air, wrapping around you like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture savory beans, rich with flavors, bubbling away in a pot, enticing you to dive in. It’s not just a dish; it’s a celebration of comfort food that makes every gathering feel like home.

Every time I whip up my beloved baked beans, I am whisked back to sunny barbecues with family and friends, where laughter mingles with the smoky scent of grilled meats. This dish stands out at any potluck or picnic, promising a flavor explosion that’s as delightful as the memories it creates. You can practically hear your taste buds cheering in anticipation!

I once made these baked beans for a backyard BBQ, and my friends devoured them! They couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Dried Navy Beans: These little gems are the star of the show; soak them overnight for the best results.

• Bacon: A few slices add that irresistible smoky flavor; choose thick-cut for extra richness.

• Onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and depth; yellow onions work beautifully here.

• Molasses: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity; don’t skimp on this ingredient!

• Ketchup: A classic addition that balances flavors and provides a lovely glossy finish.

• Brown Sugar: For an extra layer of sweetness; light or dark works well depending on your preference.

• Mustard Powder: Just a pinch elevates the flavor profile; it adds subtle tanginess without overwhelming.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors in the dish.

• Water or Broth: Used for cooking the beans until tender; broth adds even more flavor!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Baked Beans

Soak Those Beans! Begin by soaking your dried navy beans overnight in plenty of water. This step ensures they cook evenly and reach that perfect tenderness we all love.

Crisp Up Some Bacon! In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. The sizzling sound is music to your ears, releasing mouthwatering aromas into the kitchen.

Sauté the Onion! Add diced onion to the skillet with bacon drippings and sauté until translucent for about 3-4 minutes. Watch as the onions turn golden-brown while soaking up all that delicious bacon flavor.

Mingle All Ingredients! In a large mixing bowl, combine soaked beans, bacon-onion mixture, molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and water or broth. Stir well until everything is coated in sticky goodness.

Cook Slow and Steady! Transfer everything into a slow cooker or oven-safe pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or bake covered at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours. Your kitchen will fill with an inviting aroma as everything simmers together.

Cool Down Before Serving! Let those baked beans rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring you’re not burnt by overly hot beans when diving in!

Dive into this delightful recipe! Baked beans are more than just food; they’re memories waiting to happen around your dinner table. Enjoy this dish during summer picnics or cozy winter nights—no matter when you serve them up, they’ll always be a hit!

This amazing baked beans recipe transforms humble ingredients into a delightful dish that warms your soul. Baked beans are perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or simply to enjoy at home. You can easily adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your taste.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by soaking your beans overnight for better texture, then simmer them gently while preparing the sauce. This ensures even cooking and allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the bacon for turkey or use different beans like pinto or black beans. Adding spices such as smoked paprika gives it an extra kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat on low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water if necessary.

Every time I make baked beans, my friends rave about them! One friend even claimed they were “life-changing,” which felt like high praise coming from a fellow foodie.

FAQ

What type of beans should I use for baked beans?

You can use navy beans, pinto beans, or even kidney beans for variety.

Can I make baked beans vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit bacon and add more vegetables for flavor and texture.

How long do baked beans take to cook?

Typically, they need about 1.5 to 2 hours in the oven at 350°F (175°C).

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Baked Beans

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Baked beans are the ultimate comfort food, bursting with sweet and smoky flavors that warm your heart. This easy recipe combines tender navy beans with crispy bacon, sweet molasses, and zesty mustard powder for a dish that’s perfect for potlucks or cozy nights in. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a hearty side that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Dive into this flavorful tradition and make memories around the dinner table!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup dried navy beans (soaked overnight)
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups water or broth

Instructions

1. Soak the dried navy beans overnight in plenty of water.
2. In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and chop.
3. Sauté the diced onion in the bacon drippings until translucent (3-4 minutes).
4. In a large bowl, combine soaked beans, chopped bacon, sautéed onion, molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and water or broth; mix well.
5. Transfer to a slow cooker or oven-safe pot; cook on low for 6-8 hours or bake covered at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 hours.
6. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: For vegetarian baked beans, omit the bacon and use additional vegetables for flavor. Consider adding spices like smoked paprika for an extra kick. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week; reheat gently on the stove.