Baked beans are a classic American comfort food that never fails to satisfy. This easy homemade baked beans recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s perfect for a weeknight side dish or a potluck contribution.
The recipe combines bacon, onion, canned baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard. This mix creates a deliciously sweet and savory flavor that everyone will love.
Whether you’re serving these homemade baked beans as a side dish for your next barbecue or enjoying them as the main event, this recipe is sure to be a hit. It’s versatile enough to be customized to your taste preferences. You can adjust the sweetness level or add in your favorite protein for a heartier meal.
Key Takeaways
- This easy homemade baked beans recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
- The recipe uses simple ingredients like bacon, onion, canned baked beans, brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard.
- The baked beans are versatile and can be customized to your taste preferences.
- This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and weeknight dinners.
- The homemade baked beans are a satisfying and flavorful side dish or main course option.
Why These Homemade Baked Beans Are a Must-Try Dish
Get ready to be wowed by these homemade vegan or vegetarian baked beans. They’re a crowd-pleaser that will make everyone talk. With their sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, these Boston-style baked beans are a true delight.
Perfect for Family Gatherings
These homemade baked beans are perfect for any gathering. They bring back memories of summer picnics and cozy family times. They’re easy to make in large batches, thanks to a quick prep time of 15 minutes and a total time of 10 hours and 15 minutes.
Quick and Easy Preparation
These vegan or vegetarian baked beans are surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is simple: soak the beans, simmer them in a flavorful sauce, and then bake. You can have a delicious homemade dish in just 2 hours of active cooking.
Versatile Side Dish Option
These homemade baked beans are versatile. They go well with many main dishes, like grilled meats and burgers. They’re also great with barbecue chicken and hot dogs. Plus, they make a fantastic side for macaroni and cheese or meatloaf. With 12 servings per batch, there’s enough for everyone.
“These baked beans are a true family favorite. They’re the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that everyone loves.” – Sarah, Avid Home Cook
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Beans Recipe
Discover the secret to making delicious homemade canned baked beans recipe with these key ingredients. A great savory baked beans dish needs a mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Begin with canned white beans like Navy or Great Northern for their creamy texture and earthy taste. Add pure maple syrup for sweetness, barbecue sauce for tanginess, and yellow mustard and lemon juice for zest.
For a classic savory baked beans taste, add crispy bacon, diced onion, brown sugar, and ketchup. This mix creates a perfect blend of flavors, making your baked beans hard to resist.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Canned white beans (Navy or Great Northern) | 3 (28-oz.) cans |
| Maple syrup | 3/4 cup |
| Barbecue sauce | 3/4 cup |
| Prepared yellow mustard | 2 tbsp. |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp. |
| Bacon, thick-cut | 8 slices |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Ketchup | 1/2 cup |
These ingredients combine to create a delicious mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Your homemade canned baked beans recipe will stand out. Adjust the amounts to find your favorite taste.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Making perfect slow cooker baked beans requires the right tools and equipment. The recipe is simple, but the right cookware makes a big difference. It ensures a smooth process and a tasty result.
Basic Cookware Requirements
You’ll need a large, deep skillet or a small saucepan for cooking the onions and bacon. This step is crucial before adding the mix to your slow cooker or baking dish. A slotted spoon helps serve the beans without too much liquid.
Optional Equipment for Larger Batches
For bigger batches, consider a slow cooker or a larger pot. The slow cooker is great for cooking without much effort, letting flavors blend over hours. For oven-baked beans, you’ll need an oven-safe dish or casserole pan.
| Required Cookware | Optional Equipment |
|---|---|
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With the right tools and equipment, you’re ready to make delicious slow cooker baked beans. They’ll surely impress your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making homemade baked beans is easy and fun. It makes a tasty side dish. Here’s how to make your own baked beans recipe:
- Cook 10-12 strips of bacon until crispy. Then, remove the bacon and keep the fat.
- Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the fat. Cook until they’re soft and smell good, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in a 54-ounce can of pork and beans, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of mustard, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of molasses. Stir well.
- Let the mix boil, then lower the heat. Simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring now and then, until it thickens.
- If it’s too thick, add 1 1/2 cups of boiling water to thin it out.
- Add the crumbled bacon back in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For a traditional baked beans recipe, follow these steps:
- Cook 10-12 strips of bacon until crispy. Keep the fat in the pot.
- Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the fat. Cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Drain and rinse 1 pound of dried navy beans. Add them to the pot with the bacon, 1 cup of tomato puree, 1/4 cup of molasses, 2 tablespoons of mustard, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar.
- Pour in enough beef stock to just cover the beans, about 1 1/2 cups.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Simmer for 6 hours, stirring now and then, until the beans are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Both methods make delicious homemade baked beans. They’re great for family gatherings, picnics, or as a comforting side dish. You can adjust the sweetness and spice to your liking.
Customizing Your Boston Style Baked Beans
Homemade boston baked beans are super versatile. You can make them sweeter, spicier, or add more protein. It’s all about making them your way.
Adjusting Sweetness Levels
You can change how sweet your baked beans are. Start with the recipe’s sweetener amounts. Then, add more or less to get the taste you like. Mixing maple syrup and brown sugar can also balance the flavor.
Spice Variations
Want to spice up your boston baked beans? Try adding cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or smoked paprika. Or, swap ketchup for BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
Protein Add-ins
Make your vegetarian baked beans more filling with protein. Bacon, sausage, ham, or ground beef are great options. Or, go meatless with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based proteins.
Homemade baked beans are all about trying new things. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite. It’s a fun way to make your boston-style baked beans unique.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
The vegan baked beans recipe is packed with nutrients. A quarter of the recipe has 527 calories, 27 grams of fat, and 61 grams of carbs. It also has 18 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber. These navy beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, key for a healthy diet.
Beans are known for their health perks. They’re full of vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, folate, and B vitamins. Eating beans, like navy beans, can lower heart disease risk, help control blood sugar, and boost gut health thanks to their fiber.
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, this recipe is easy to make vegan. Just skip the bacon and use plant-based ingredients. It’s flexible and perfect for family meals or as a side dish.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 527 | – |
| Total Fat | 27g | 41% |
| Carbohydrates | 61g | 20% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fiber | 10g | 36% |
Adding this vegan baked beans recipe to your meals is a smart choice. It’s a hearty, fiber-rich dish that supports your health goals.
Storage Tips and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying homemade baked beans doesn’t have to stop after the meal. With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy them for days. Follow these tips to keep your baked beans fresh and flavorful.
Proper Storage Methods
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
Freezing in shallow containers helps prevent ice crystals. This keeps the beans’ texture better. Thaw them slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
There are easy ways to reheat your homemade baked beans:
- On the stovetop: Put the beans in a saucepan and heat on medium, stirring often, until warm.
- In the oven: Preheat to 300-350°F. Place the beans in a dish and heat for 10-15 minutes, until hot.
- In the microwave: Use a microwave-safe container. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot.
Stir the beans while reheating to ensure even heating. This keeps their flavor and texture great.
By storing and reheating your baked beans right, you can enjoy them for a long time. Savor every bite and enjoy your homemade creation!
Serving Suggestions and Meal Pairings
Make your homemade savory baked beans even better by pairing them with tasty dishes. They’re great with grilled burgers, hot dogs, and chicken. Try them with a potato salad and fresh tomatoes for a summer feast.
These beans are also perfect for special occasions. They go well with glazed ham or turkey. Plus, they’re amazing with pot roast, roasted pork, or chili.
Want to try something new? Add the beans to breakfast or brunch. They’re awesome with eggs, bacon, and waffles. They also make sandwiches, tacos, and nachos even better.
These homemade savory baked beans are a hit at any meal. They’re versatile and can be enjoyed all year. Get creative and find new ways to enjoy them.
- Grilled burgers or hot dogs
- Barbecue chicken or ribs
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Baked ham or roasted turkey
- Scrambled eggs, bacon, and waffles
- Tacos, burritos, or nachos
- Chili, soup, or stew
- Macaroni and cheese
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Baked Beans
Making the perfect baked beans recipe is a delicate task. But with a few tips, you can avoid common mistakes. This way, you can make the ultimate homemade baked beans. Let’s look at some common mistakes to avoid in this beloved dish.
Managing sweetness is crucial. Be careful not to add too much sugar. This can make your baked beans too sweet. Start with a small amount of sweetener and add more as needed to get the taste right.
- Don’t overcook the beans. This can make them mushy and unappetizing. Keep an eye on the cooking time. Test the beans by gently mashing some against the pot’s side. They should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Watch the salt content, especially with canned beans. They can be very salty. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go to get the flavors just right.
- Try different spices and aromatics to make your baked beans unique. Add a bit of smoked paprika, cumin, or dried mustard to enhance the flavor.
By avoiding these common mistakes and adjusting as you go, you’ll make delicious baked beans. Your family and friends will love them. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
| Common Mistake | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Oversweetening | Adding too much sugar or not accounting for sweetness in other ingredients | Adjust sweetener based on BBQ sauce and other ingredients |
| Overcooking beans | Cooking beans for too long, leading to a mushy texture | Monitor cooking time and test for desired tenderness |
| Excessive salt | Using canned beans high in sodium or not tasting and adjusting seasoning | Taste and adjust salt content as you cook |
“The key to perfect baked beans is finding the right balance of sweetness, texture, and seasoning. With a little practice, you’ll be whipping up batches that will have everyone coming back for seconds.”
Conclusion
This easy homemade baked beans recipe is perfect for any time. It has rich, savory-sweet flavors and you can add your own touches. It’s great for family gatherings or when you just want something comforting.
Preparing this dish is quick and easy. You’ll love the real taste of homemade baked beans. Feel free to try different beans, seasonings, and add-ins to make it your own.
The secret to great baked beans is using top-notch ingredients and paying attention to every step. From simmering the beans to baking, each step adds to the flavor. Follow the instructions to make your own delicious homemade baked beans.
Enjoy the comforting taste of this easy homemade baked beans recipe. It’s perfect as a side, main course, or topping. Create a dish your family and friends will love.
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