No picnic or potluck is complete without a delicious pot of savory sweet baked beans!
This baked beans recipe is a classic side dish that pairs with everything from ribs or burgers to fried chicken.
This is the last baked bean recipe you’ll ever need!
- These are sweet, saucy, and delicious.
- Since they taste even better the next day, they’re perfect to make ahead!
- They have a great homemade flavor, and using canned beans means no soaking or boiling for hours.
- These beans freeze well, so make extras to enjoy throughout the summer.
Ingredients in Baked Beans
- Bacon: Bacon adds salt and a smoky flavor to this recipe.
- Beans: Starting with canned beans saves time and adds flavor, you can use your favorite variety. Do not drain the sauce from the beans.
- Onion: Red onion adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the baked beans.
- Brown Sugar & Molasses: These sweeten the beans and add a caramel flavor. Use either light or dark brown sugar or replace it with maple syrup.
- Ketchup & Cider Vinegar: Adds tang flavor to balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and molasses.
- Flavorful Additions: Green bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and dry mustard add flavor.
How to Make Baked BeansÂ
This easy recipe requires only a little time for the beans to cook in the oven.
- Cook bacon: Cook bacon in a Dutch oven and set aside.
- Soften onion: Soften the onion and pepper over medium heat in the bacon grease.
- Combine ingredients: Combine all of the sauce ingredients, then add everything to the Dutch oven.
- Cook: Bake the mixture, simmer in a large pot, or cook in a slow cooker as directed in the recipe below.
I love to serve leftovers as beans on toast for lunch (does anyone else love beans on toast?).
Storing Leftover Beans
Keep leftover baked beans covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave (or enjoy them cold).
Place cooled baked beans in zippered bags and keep them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Perfect Pairings for Baked Beans
Serve up baked beans next to these summer-time favorites!
Did you make these Baked Beans? Leave a rating and a comment below!
The Best Baked Beans
Classic baked beans are oven-baked & studded with onions, peppers, and bacon.
Prevent your screen from going dark
Preheat the oven to 350°F and set the rack to the middle position.
In a Dutch or deep ovenproof skillet, over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the Dutch oven.
Add the red onion and green bell pepper to the Dutch oven and cook until softened, stirring frequently.
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and dry mustard to make the sauce.
Add the beans and sauce to the the onion and green bell pepper. Stir well to combine.
Cover the Dutch oven and bake covered for 90 minutes. Stir in the bacon, reserving 2 tablespoons for garnish, and cover. Bake 20 to 30 minutes more or until the sauce has cooked down to the desired consistency.
Remove from the oven, uncover, and let the beans rest for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce. Garnish with reserved bacon and green onions if using. Serve.
Calories: 296 | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 711mg | Potassium: 524mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Vitamin C: 6.9mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 2.4mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Side Dish
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