5 Best Baked Beans Recipes You'll Love

Baked beans are a comforting, versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side, a main, or even transformed into a delightful snack. Whether you're serving them at a barbecue, enjoying a cozy family dinner, or looking for a hearty meal, baked beans provide the perfect blend of sweetness, smokiness, and tangy flavor. Here are five baked beans recipes that are easy to make and absolutely delicious, ensuring they'll become staples in your culinary repertoire.

1. Classic Southern Baked Beans

Southern cuisine is renowned for its rich, flavorful dishes, and baked beans are no exception. Here’s how to make the classic version:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight
  • 8 oz bacon, chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • ¹⁄₂ cup molasses
  • ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ¹⁄₄ cup apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
  3. Sauté onions in the bacon drippings until translucent.
  4. Drain soaked beans, add to the pot with enough water to cover by 1 inch.
  5. Add molasses, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  6. Transfer beans to a baking dish, top with bacon, and cover with foil or a lid.
  7. Bake for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender. Remove lid for the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.

🌟 Note: Soaking the beans overnight significantly reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.

2. Vegan BBQ Baked Beans

For those following a plant-based diet, these BBQ baked beans are equally delectable without sacrificing taste:

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cans (15 oz each) of navy or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¹⁄₂ cup BBQ sauce (choose a vegan option)
  • ¹⁄₄ cup maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  3. Mix beans, BBQ sauce, maple syrup, tomato paste, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, and salt in a large bowl.
  4. Combine the sautéed onions and garlic with the bean mixture.
  5. Transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover, and bake for 1 hour. Remove the cover for the last 15 minutes to caramelize the top.

🌍 Note: Liquid smoke imparts a rich, smoky flavor that’s essential for mimicking the traditional barbecue experience.

3. Spicy Jalapeño and Bacon Baked Beans

If you enjoy a bit of heat, this recipe adds a spicy kick to your usual baked beans:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb dried pinto beans, soaked overnight
  • 10 oz thick-cut bacon, cut into pieces
  • 1 large jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • ¹⁄₄ cup molasses
  • ¹⁄₂ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Cook bacon in a Dutch oven until crispy, remove half for topping.
  3. Add onions and jalapeño to the bacon fat, sauté until onions are soft.
  4. Add drained beans, molasses, sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, cayenne, and salt. Mix well.
  5. Cover and bake for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more liquid if needed.
  6. Uncover for the last 30 minutes, sprinkle with reserved bacon, and let the top brown.

🌶️ Note: For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño to reduce the heat level.

4. Brown Sugar and Bourbon Baked Beans

This recipe adds a luxurious twist with bourbon, turning simple beans into something truly indulgent:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb dried navy beans, soaked overnight
  • 8 oz thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • ¹⁄₂ cup brown sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup bourbon
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ¹⁄₂ cup ketchup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Cook bacon in a pot until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings.
  3. Sauté onions in bacon fat until golden.
  4. Add drained beans, sugar, bourbon, molasses, mustard, ketchup, and seasonings. Mix well.
  5. Simmer for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover, and bake for 3-4 hours. Uncover for the last hour to thicken.

🍸 Note: The alcohol in the bourbon cooks off, leaving behind a rich caramelized flavor.

5. Mediterranean Herb Baked Beans

Incorporating Mediterranean flavors, this recipe offers a fresh, herby taste:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight
  • ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • ¹⁄₂ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¹⁄₄ cup fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
  3. Add drained beans, tomatoes, herbs, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover, and bake for 2 hours or until beans are tender. Stir occasionally.
  5. Uncover for the last 15 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly.

In summary, these five baked beans recipes showcase the dish’s versatility, from traditional Southern-style beans to innovative vegan and Mediterranean versions. Each recipe brings unique flavors to the table, making baked beans suitable for various occasions, from casual cookouts to sophisticated dinner parties. They can be paired with grilled meats, served as part of a hearty breakfast, or enjoyed on their own for a comforting meal. With the right preparation and a little creativity, baked beans can become your go-to dish, ready to satisfy any palate with a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

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Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. However, reduce the cooking time and liquid quantities as canned beans are already partially cooked and contain moisture.

How can I make baked beans less sweet?

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Reduce or omit the sugar, molasses, or maple syrup, and enhance savory flavors with ingredients like mustard, vinegar, or additional salt.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

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You can use any oven-safe pot or casserole dish with a lid. If it doesn’t have a lid, cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Can I make baked beans without bacon for a vegetarian option?

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Absolutely! You can substitute bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor, or use plant-based bacon alternatives.

How long do baked beans last in the refrigerator?

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Stored properly in an airtight container, baked beans can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.