Classic Baked Beans Recipe

Baked beans are a beloved comfort food and a staple at summer barbecues, family gatherings, and potlucks. This Classic Baked Beans Recipe is hearty, flavorful, and loaded with rich, smoky goodness. Slow-cooked in a savory sauce made from molasses, brown sugar, and bacon, these baked beans offer a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and smokiness. Whether you’re serving them alongside burgers and hotdogs or as a standalone dish, these baked beans are sure to be a hit with everyone.

While baked beans have roots in American colonial times, they’ve since evolved into a popular dish in various regional cuisines. This classic version pays homage to traditional methods, slow-cooking the beans until tender in a flavorful sauce that thickens and caramelizes beautifully. Best of all, this recipe is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

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Why You’ll Love This Classic Baked Beans Recipe

• Hearty & Filling: A warm, comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with BBQ and grilled meats.
• Rich, Smoky Flavor: Bacon, molasses, and brown sugar give these beans a deep, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Baked beans are always a crowd-pleaser at picnics, potlucks, and family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these beans in advance and reheat them before serving.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, smokiness, or spice to suit your preferences.

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Key Ingredients for Classic Baked Beans

1. Navy Beans (or Great Northern Beans)

• Navy beans are the traditional choice for baked beans due to their small size and tender texture. Great Northern beans are a good alternative if you can’t find navy beans. Both types absorb the flavors of the sauce well, becoming soft and creamy after slow-cooking.

2. Bacon

• Bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the beans. Use thick-cut bacon for the best results. The bacon fat also adds richness to the sauce, giving the beans that unmistakable savory flavor.

3. Molasses

• Molasses is essential for giving baked beans their deep, rich flavor and classic dark color. It also adds a subtle sweetness and slight bitterness that balances the dish.

4. Brown Sugar

• Brown sugar adds sweetness and enhances the caramelization of the sauce as the beans bake. It works in harmony with the molasses to create a perfectly balanced sweet and savory dish.

5. Onions & Garlic

• Onions and garlic provide a flavorful base for the beans, adding sweetness and depth to the overall dish. The onions become tender and slightly caramelized as they cook.

6. Mustard

• A bit of mustard adds tanginess and a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness from the molasses and brown sugar. Yellow mustard or Dijon mustard works well in this recipe.

7. Ketchup

• Ketchup provides a tomato base for the sauce, adding sweetness, tang, and umami. It helps create a thick, rich sauce that clings to the beans as they bake.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

• A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors and adds acidity to balance out the sweetness of the beans. It also helps cut through the richness of the bacon.

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How to Make Classic Baked Beans

Making baked beans from scratch takes a little time, but the process is simple. Here’s how to prepare this delicious side dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

• If you’re using dried navy beans, soak them overnight in water. Drain and rinse the beans, then transfer them to a large pot and cover with water. Bring the beans to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Drain the beans and set them aside.
• If you’re using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them before use.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and the fat is rendered. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

• In the same skillet, add the diced onions and cook in the bacon fat until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

• In a large bowl, combine the molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked onions and garlic. This sauce will be the flavorful base for your baked beans.

Step 5: Assemble the Beans

• In a large oven-safe baking dish or Dutch oven, combine the cooked beans with the sauce. Stir well to ensure the beans are evenly coated in the sauce. Crumble the cooked bacon over the top, and stir gently to mix it in.

Step 6: Bake the Beans

• Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil, and bake the beans in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir the beans occasionally to ensure even cooking. If the beans look too dry during baking, you can add a bit of water or broth to keep them moist.

Step 7: Serve

• Once the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened and caramelized, remove the dish from the oven. Let the beans cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your classic baked beans alongside your favorite barbecue dishes!

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Tips for Making the Best Classic Baked Beans

1. Don’t Skip the Bacon

• Bacon adds a wonderful smokiness to the beans, so don’t skip it. If you prefer a meatless option, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke for a similar flavor.

2. Adjust the Sweetness

• If you prefer your beans sweeter, add a bit more brown sugar or molasses to the sauce. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar or add extra mustard for a tangy kick.

3. Cook Low and Slow

• Baked beans develop their rich flavor and thick sauce when cooked slowly. Be patient and allow them to bake for at least 1.5 hours. If you have time, let them go for 2-3 hours for the best results.

4. Keep an Eye on the Beans

• Check the beans occasionally as they cook. If they seem dry, add a splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out.

5. Make Them Ahead

• Baked beans taste even better the next day, so feel free to make them ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

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Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Baked Beans

• Omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the onions and garlic. Add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to achieve that smoky flavor without the meat.

2. Spicy Baked Beans

• For a spicy kick, add 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sauce. You can also stir in some hot sauce for extra heat.

3. Maple Baked Beans

• Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup to add a rich, deep sweetness to the beans. The maple flavor pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and molasses.

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FAQs: Classic Baked Beans

1. Can I Use Canned Beans?

• Yes! While dried beans offer a more traditional texture, canned navy beans work just as well for this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse the beans before using them.

2. How Long Do Baked Beans Last?

• Baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well, so you can make a large batch and freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

3. Can I Make Baked Beans in a Slow Cooker?

• Yes, you can! After preparing the sauce and beans, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

4. Can I Make This Recipe Without Molasses?

• If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with dark brown sugar or maple syrup. Keep in mind that molasses gives the beans their classic flavor, so the substitute will slightly alter the taste.

 

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