Thinking of a classic, comforting dish? Baked beans are often the first thing that comes to mind. You can make homemade baked beans with different ingredients and methods. This results in a delicious and satisfying meal.
With just 15 minutes of prep and 2 to 3 hours of cooking, you can have a tasty baked beans recipe ready. This easy recipe serves 8 people. Each serving has 290 calories, 8g of protein, 52g of carbs, and 5g of fat.
A baked beans recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. You can use dry navy beans or canned beans. Add brown sugar, molasses, and ketchup for a rich, tangy flavor. With an easy baked beans recipe, you can enjoy a delicious, comforting meal anytime.
Key Takeaways
- A baked beans recipe is a classic, comforting dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients and methods.
- The recipe serves 8 individuals, with each serving containing 290 calories and a nutritional breakdown of 8g of protein, 52g of carbohydrates, and 5g of fat.
- You can make homemade baked beans with dry navy beans or canned beans, and add ingredients like brown sugar, molasses, and ketchup.
- The total preparation time for the recipe is 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 2 to 3 hours.
- A baked beans recipe is a great option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, and can be made with an easy baked beans recipe or a homemade baked beans recipe.
- You can store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
The Rich History of Baked Beans
Baked beans have a long and fascinating history. They started with Native American tribes, who cooked beans in pits with bear fat. European settlers later adopted and adapted this recipe, making their own versions.
The rise of canned baked beans was a big factor in their popularity. Canned baked beans were invented around 1809. They quickly became a staple in many American homes. The first recipe for baked beans was in Lydia Maria Child’s cookbook in 1829, using molasses and salt pork.
Today, you can find many types of baked beans, from classic to bbq. Brands like HJ Heinz Company have been making canned baked beans for over a century. Whether you like traditional or modern versions, baked beans have a rich history and cultural importance.
- Canned baked beans were a staple in the diets of Union Army soldiers during the Civil War.
- The Boston molasses industry played a significant role in the development of sweetened baked beans.
- Granville Stuart’s autobiographical work mentions the commonality of beans in meals during cattle drives, highlighting the connection between western settlers and baked beans.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried navy beans | 1 1/4 cup (175 g) |
| Salt pork or bacon | 4 ounces (113 g) |
| Molasses | 1 tablespoon |
Baked beans are loved worldwide for their rich history and cultural significance. Whether you prefer traditional, classic, or bbq baked beans, there’s something for everyone.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Baked Beans
To make easy baked beans, you need a few key ingredients. These include canned pork and beans, bacon, onion, and brown sugar. Pam Anderson’s recipe shows how these ingredients make homemade baked beans simple and tasty.
A great baked beans recipe balances sweet and smoky flavors. Brown sugar brings a caramel-like taste, while bacon adds smokiness. Canned pork and beans are essential for the dish’s base. Adding onion and spices can enhance the flavor.
Here’s what you need for a classic homemade baked beans recipe:
- 2 (16-ounce) cans of pork and beans
- 6 to 8 slices of bacon
- 1 small yellow onion, minced
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- Other spices and ingredients, such as ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce
With these ingredients, you can make delicious baked beans for any event. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, these ingredients will impress everyone.
By using a simple recipe and these essential ingredients, you can create tasty baked beans for any time of year.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Canned pork and beans | 2 (16-ounce) cans |
| Bacon | 6 to 8 slices |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Onion | 1 small, minced |
Classic Homemade Baked Beans Recipe
To make tasty baked beans, start with key ingredients. You’ll need 1-⅓ cups of dried navy beans, 3 slices of thick bacon, and sweeteners like molasses, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
Choose between stovetop or oven for cooking. Soaked navy beans cook on the stovetop in about 1 hour. In the oven, it takes 2-3 hours, then 30-40 minutes without a cover. For an easy baked beans recipe, a slow cooker works well too.
Base Ingredients List
- 1-⅓ cups dried navy beans
- 3 slices of thick bacon
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Soak the dried navy beans for 8-12 hours
- Cook the beans on the stovetop or in the oven
- Add the bacon, molasses, brown sugar, and maple syrup to the beans
Seasoning Tips and Tricks
To enhance flavor, mix tomato sauce, ketchup, and other seasonings with your homemade baked beans. The goal is to balance sweet and savory. This easy baked beans recipe makes a comforting dish for any event.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried navy beans | 1-⅓ cups |
| Thick bacon | 3 slices |
| Molasses | ¼ cup |
Choosing the Right Beans for Your Recipe
Choosing the right beans is key for traditional baked beans. You want beans that stay firm and taste rich and slightly sweet. Navy beans are a top pick for classic baked beans because they stay tender.
Other beans like kidney, pinto, and cannellini beans also work well. Each has its own special taste.
Pam Anderson’s recipe uses canned pork and beans for a classic taste. But, if you like dried beans, you can pick navy, kidney, or pinto beans. Dried beans take longer to cook, about 8 hours, compared to 30 minutes for canned.
There are many regional baked beans styles. For example:
- Traditional baked beans with navy beans
- Kansas City-style baked beans with a thick and sweet sauce
- Carolina-style baked beans with a mix of 3-5 types of beans
- Santa Maria-style baked beans with pinquito beans
Dried beans are cheaper than canned, saving up to 50%. The choice of beans depends on your taste and the dish you want to make. Whether it’s traditional or a new twist, the right beans make a big difference.
| Bean Type | Characteristics | Regional Variation |
|---|---|---|
| Navy Beans | Tender, slightly sweet | Traditional baked beans |
| Kidney Beans | Firm, slightly sweet | Kansas City-style baked beans |
| Pinto Beans | Mild, slightly sweet | Carolina-style baked beans |
Slow Cooker Baked Beans Method
Using a slow cooker is a great way to make tasty baked beans. It’s easy and doesn’t need much watching, perfect for when you’re busy. You can use a simple recipe and adjust it for your slow cooker.
To cook the beans, set your slow cooker to low for 8-10 hours or high for 6-8 hours. This way, the beans get soft and the flavors mix well. If you have a pressure cooker, you can cook them in 60 minutes at high pressure, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
Here is a summary of the nutritional information for slow cooker baked beans:
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 388 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 74 g |
| Protein | 19 g |
| Total Fat | 3 g |
Leftover slow cooker baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheating is simple, so you can enjoy your slow cooker baked beans whenever you want.
Vegetarian Baked Beans Variations
There are many ways to enjoy vegetarian baked beans. You can swap out bacon for tempeh or tofu. This makes the dish tasty and fulfilling. Pam Anderson’s recipe is easy to modify for a vegetarian version.
To make homemade baked beans vegetarian, try these tips:
- Use tempeh or tofu as a bacon substitute.
- Choose a variety of beans, such as navy or Great Northern beans, for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different spices and seasonings to enhance the flavor profile.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious vegetarian baked beans dish. It’s great for any time. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just want to try something new, homemade baked beans are a fantastic choice.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Navy beans | 2 cans (16 ounces each) |
| Organic brown sugar | ⅓ cup |
| Grade-A maple syrup | ¼ cup |
With these simple ingredients and tips, you can make a tasty vegetarian baked beans dish. It’s perfect for any meal.
Sweet and Savory Flavor Combinations
Baked beans offer endless flavor options. You can choose from sweet, savory BBQ, or spicy. The right flavor depends on your taste and the event. For a classic taste, mix molasses, brown sugar, and spices for a tangy flavor.
For a BBQ twist, add bacon, onion, and garlic for a smoky taste. You can cook sweet and savory baked beans in a slow cooker or oven. Cooking time varies based on the method.
The secret to great flavor is balancing sweet and savory. Start with a 3:1 sweet to savory ratio and adjust as needed. Some recipes add Dr. Pepper or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Traditional Sweet Style
This style is great for those who love a sweeter taste. It combines molasses, brown sugar, and spices for a rich flavor.
Savory BBQ Version
For a smokier taste, try the savory BBQ version. It uses bacon, onion, and garlic for a savory flavor.
Spicy Alternatives
For a spicy kick, try adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce. This adds a fiery twist to the beans.
| Flavor Combination | Ingredients | Cooking Method |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Sweet Style | Molasses, brown sugar, spices | Oven or slow cooker |
| Savory BBQ Version | Bacon, onion, garlic | Oven or slow cooker |
| Spicy Alternatives | Cayenne pepper, hot sauce | Oven or slow cooker |
Tips for Perfect Texture and Consistency
Making an easy baked beans recipe means getting the texture right. Soaking beans and adjusting cooking times are key. Soaking helps beans cook faster and are easier to digest.
Soak beans in water for at least 8 hours, using a 1:2 ratio. This makes beans cook evenly. Cooking time affects texture too. Longer cooking makes beans softer, while shorter times keep them firmer.
- Soak the beans in water for at least 8 hours
- Use a ratio of 1:2 (dry beans to water) for soaking
- Cook the beans for the recommended time to achieve the desired texture
- Adjust the cooking time based on personal preference for texture and consistency
Follow these tips and an easy recipe to make delicious homemade baked beans. They’ll have the perfect texture and consistency.
| Soaking Time | Cooking Time | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| 8 hours | 1 hour | Tender |
| 12 hours | 1.5 hours | Soft |
| 24 hours | 2 hours | Very Soft |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making traditional baked beans or classic baked beans, it’s key to steer clear of common mistakes. These can mess up the texture and taste of your dish. Overcooking and not seasoning enough are two big errors that can ruin your meal.
To sidestep these issues, stick to a reliable recipe and prep your ingredients well. Rinsing canned beans can cut down on preservatives and odd tastes. Also, cooking the beans just right is crucial for the right texture.
Here are some tips for making traditional baked beans or classic baked beans:
- Rinse canned beans to reduce preservatives and sodium content
- Cook beans for the right amount of time to avoid overcooking or undercooking
- Use the right amount of seasoning to bring out the flavor of the beans
By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can make tasty traditional baked beans or classic baked beans. These dishes will surely delight even the most finicky eaters. Always check the nutritional info of your ingredients and tweak your recipe to make it healthy and balanced.
With a bit of practice and patience, you’ll soon be whipping up perfect traditional baked beans or classic baked beans. So, go ahead, give it a shot, and enjoy the yummy outcome!
| Mistake | Tip |
|---|---|
| Overcooking | Cook beans for 10-15 minutes to prevent loss of texture |
| Underseasoning | Use the right amount of seasoning to bring out the flavor of the beans |
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
There are many ways to serve homemade baked beans. You can serve them as a side dish, add them to a barbecue, or use them as a topping. A classic baked beans recipe is a favorite at outdoor gatherings and picnics.
A tasty easy baked beans recipe goes well with many foods. Try it with grilled meats, coleslaw, and cornbread. For a new twist, pair your homemade baked beans with grilled chicken or as a salad topping. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled meats: Try pairing your baked beans with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw can provide a nice contrast to the sweet and smoky flavor of the baked beans.
- Cornbread: A classic combination, cornbread and baked beans are a match made in heaven.
These suggestions can help you make many tasty meals with your baked beans recipe. Whether you prefer a classic combo or something new, there’s something for everyone.
| Food | Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | Baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread |
| Steak | Baked beans, grilled vegetables, salad |
| Pork Chops | Baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread |
Conclusion
Baked beans are a favorite in America, loved for their mix of tastes and textures. You can choose from sweet and smoky to savory barbecue flavors. The homemade baked beans recipe we shared is a great place to start. But feel free to try new beans, spices, and ingredients to make your own easy baked beans recipe.
Baked beans are not just tasty; they’re also good for you, packed with protein and fiber. Serve them with grilled meats, cornbread, or salads for a full meal. The secret to great baked beans is in the details, like soaking the beans right and adjusting the seasoning.
So, get your ingredients ready, preheat the oven, and enjoy making homemade baked beans. You can have them as a side, main dish, or even for breakfast. The possibilities are endless with this classic American favorite.