Irresistibly Easy Ultimate Baked Beans
Recipe Introduction
Fancy some Irresistibly Easy Ultimate Baked Beans ? Honestly, who doesn't love a good helping of this classic dish? It's proper comfort food, innit?
Craving Killer Baked Beans? Look No Further!
This easy baked bean recipe is about to become your new go-to. It's sweet, smoky, and savory all at once. Get ready to dive headfirst into a bowl of pure deliciousness!
A Touch of History and a Whole Lotta Flavor
Our ultimate baked beans recipe blends British and American flavors. Think proper BBQ side meets classic British comfort. Ready in about 3- 4 hours, this homemade baked beans is easy enough for a beginner.
This baked beans potluck size recipe yields around 6-8 servings. Perfect for sharing!
Why These Beans Are the Bees Knees
One of the best things about this American baked beans recipe is that it's packed with protein and fiber! Ideal for a summer BBQ, a cosy night in, or as a potluck superstar, these beans are a true crowd pleaser.
What makes this best baked beans recipe special? The perfect balance of sweet and savory baked beans , thanks to a touch of molasses and smoky bacon! You can even use a slow cooker baked beans variation for hands free cooking!
Time to gather your ingredients and get cooking.
Ingredients & Equipment for Irresistibly Easy Ultimate Baked Beans
Alright, let's talk ingredients for these Irresistibly Easy Ultimate Baked Beans . Forget those bland cans! We're making homemade baked beans that'll blow your mind.
Trust me, this will be the best baked beans recipe you've ever tried.
Main Ingredients: The Bean Scene
- Baked Beans: 2 (28 ounce/794g) cans, undrained. I like Bush's.
- Bacon: 6 slices, chopped. Quality bacon matters!
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced (about 1 cup/150g ).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is always best.
- Ketchup: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Heinz is a classic for a reason.
- Molasses: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Don't skimp on this!
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) , packed. Light or dark works.
- Yellow Mustard: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon . Adds a smoky depth.
- Dry Mustard: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
You want to know what makes these American baked beans recipe special? It's all in the quality of the bacon and the balance of sweet and savory.
Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Boosters
This easy baked bean recipe is all about layering flavors. The essential spices are the smoked paprika and dry mustard.
They give it that classic sweet and savory baked beans taste. Worcestershire sauce adds umami. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne for some heat if that's your jam.
You can easily substitute honey or dark corn syrup for molasses if needed. It is a great easy baked bean recipe
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets. A large oven safe pot or Dutch oven is key. This helps for the slow cooker baked beans .
At least a 4-quart size. You'll also need a cutting board, knife, and measuring cups/spoons. A big spoon for stirring too.
If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large pot covered tightly with foil will work in a pinch. These ultimate baked beans can even be a baked beans potluck favorite.
I remember once forgetting the measuring cups, and I ended up using a coffee mug! It worked just fine. These baked beans with bacon are a BBQ staple! They're perfect BBQ side dishes .
The Secret to Irresistibly Easy Ultimate Baked Beans
Honestly, who doesn’t love baked beans? But let's be real, most of the tinned stuff is kinda…meh. So, ditch the can and let's make some homemade baked beans that’ll blow your socks off! This easy baked bean recipe is a British American mashup.
Think American baked beans recipe with a cheeky touch of British flair. It's the perfect BBQ side dishes , but just as good for a cozy night in.
It will be the best baked beans recipe for all your baked beans potluck .
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first. Get your ingredients sorted. Chop up six slices of bacon, dice one medium yellow onion, and mince two cloves of garlic.
It's all about having everything ready to rock and roll. This simple step saves so much time later on. Trust me.
step-by-step to Baked Bean Bliss
Here's how to make ultimate baked beans :
- Preheat your oven to 300° F ( 150° C) . Low and slow is the name of the game!
- Fry the bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Get it nice and crispy! Remove the bacon and set aside, but keep the bacon grease in the pot!
- Sauté your diced onion in the bacon grease until soft. About 5 minutes should do it. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup molasses, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard.
- Add two (28 ounce/794g) cans of undrained baked beans and the crispy bacon to the pot. Give it a good stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the pot and bake for 3- 4 hours , or until the beans are thick and bubbly. Stir it occasionally. Add a splash of water if it looks too dry.
- Let them rest for 10- 15 minutes before serving. Patience, young padawan!
Pro Tips for Baked Bean Greatness
Want to take these beans to the next level? Don't skip the bacon fat! It’s flavour central! make-ahead! The flavors get even better overnight.
And slow cooker baked beans are super easy. Just throw everything in, and cook on low for 6- 8 hours.
You can even add some chillies for a bit of kick if you love your sweet and savory baked beans .
So there you have it. My take on Irresistibly Easy Ultimate Baked Beans . This is the ultimate easy baked bean recipe . Get ready for some serious baked bean love!
Recipe Notes for Irresistibly Easy Ultimate Baked Beans
So, you're ready to tackle these Irresistibly Easy Ultimate Baked Beans ? Awesome! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things to make sure yours are absolutely banging.
Trust me, a few simple tweaks can make all the difference.
Serving Suggestions: Show 'Em Off!
Honestly, these aren't just any easy baked bean recipe . Presentation matters, right? For a rustic vibe, serve them straight from the Dutch oven.
Or, for a classier touch, ladle them into a nice serving dish. Garnish with some crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and boom! Instant foodie cred.
They're amazing with classic BBQ side dishes like coleslaw and corn on the cob. Don't forget some crusty bread for sopping up all that delicious sauce.
It's also a great baked beans potluck dish.
Storing Your Homemade Baked Beans : Pro Tips
Got leftovers? (If you do, you're a stronger person than I am!). These ultimate baked beans keep well. Once cooled, pop them in an airtight container and they'll happily hang out in the fridge for 3-4 days .
For longer storage, freezing is your friend. Just portion them into freezer safe bags or containers. They’ll last for up to 2 months no problem.
When reheating, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, warm them up on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if they seem a bit dry.
Variations: Make 'Em Your Own!
Want to spice things up? (Literally!). For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and add a smoky flavour. A teaspoon of liquid smoke does the trick.
To make it a bit more healthy, substitute the molasses for maple syrup. Or switch up the seasonal ingredient swaps .
I use more cayenne pepper in mine.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Okay, so these aren’t exactly health food. Each serving will clock in around 350-400 calories. But hey, they're packed with protein and fiber from the beans! Plus, let's be real, they're a total comfort food win.
I always use my best judgement when consuming, and advise that all my readers do the same.
Ready to make the best baked beans recipe ever? You got this! Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.
And let me know how yours turn out. Happy cooking, luv! They are sweet and savory baked beans that will blow your mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Irresistibly Easy Ultimate Baked Beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, these baked beans are often even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just prepare as directed, let them cool completely, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving just like a good Sunday roast, they can be prepped in advance!
What if I don't have molasses? Can I substitute it in these Irresistibly Easy Ultimate Baked Beans?
No worries, mate! If you're out of molasses, you can substitute it with an equal amount of dark corn syrup or even honey. Treacle is the British equivalent for molasses and can also be used 1:1.
The molasses adds a lovely depth of flavor, but the substitutes will still give you a delicious, sweet and rich baked bean experience.
How can I make these baked beans vegetarian or even vegan?
Easy peasy! To make these beans vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. For a vegan version, omit the bacon and use a tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil to sauté the onions and garlic instead of bacon grease. To maintain the smoky flavor that the bacon provides, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke.
You won't miss the bacon at all!
Are there any variations I can try with these Irresistibly Easy Ultimate Baked Beans?
Absolutely, let's get creative! For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the pot. If you like a slightly different sweetness, you can substitute maple syrup for the molasses.
You can also add some diced bell peppers for extra texture and flavour or try using different types of canned beans for a varied bean mix.
How should I store leftover Irresistibly Easy Ultimate Baked Beans?
Leftover baked beans should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep well for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave them in short intervals until heated through.
Adding a splash of water or broth can help if they've thickened up too much.
Are these Irresistibly Easy Ultimate Baked Beans healthy? What's the nutritional information like?
While undeniably delicious, baked beans are a dish best enjoyed in moderation. They do contain a good amount of protein and fiber, thanks to the beans themselves. However, they can also be high in sugar and sodium depending on the specific ingredients you use.
Check the nutritional labels on your canned beans and adjust the added sugar accordingly. You can also reduce the sodium by using low-sodium beans and going easy on the salt.
Irresistibly Easy Ultimate Baked Beans
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 10-12g |
