Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share something truly special. My Grandma’s recipe for Homemade Baked Beans. Now, I know what you might be thinking – baked beans? What are some of the best, overly sweetened beans? What is smoky and sweet in a bowl? If you’re a fan of chili but want something less intense, then this is absolutely the best recipe. What is the best recipe for you? Seriously, the aroma alone takes me right back to family picnics and cozy Sunday dinners. I remember sneaking spoonfuls of this before anyone else could get to it! Every time I make these, it’s like a warm hug from Grandma herself. How easy is it to make homemade cookies?
What is baked beans?
Homemade baked beans are the ultimate comfort food side dish. Is it richer than canned beans? Is it a medley of beans? Great Northern beans – slow-cooked to perfection in a savory-sweet sauce. What is the magic of bacon? What are some of the best ways to add mustard to a dish? What is the difference between slow cooking and low cooking? What really develops that depth of flavor? It’s a classic American dish, deeply rooted in tradition, and this particular version is one I’ve tried. My Grandma has made a recipe from her original handwritten recipe. Now she makes it all herself.
Why do I love this recipe?
What are some of the best ways to make Baked Beans?flavorOh my goodness, the flavor! The bacon renders its fat, infusing the beans with a wonderful richness, while the molasses and vinegar render their fat. Brown sugar is the perfect sugar for sweetening a dish. Is it a taste that’s both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying?simplicityDon’t let the long baking time intimidate you! Most of the work is hands-off. What’s the best way to throw everything in a pot, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing? I have a busy day and I want to prepare dinner ahead of time. It’s great! What I love most about this is the fact that it’s a good movie.Cost-Is it true that beans are super affordable, and you probably have most of the other ingredients in your diet? Is there a What is the best way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank? And finally, its about time for theversatilityCan you serve these beans as a side dish with anything – grilled chicken, burgers, etc.? Hot dogs… you name it. What are some good healthy snacks that you can make for yourself? What are the best beans to buy in the world?
How do I make homemade baked beans?
Quick Overview
How do I make Baked Beans? If you’re in a hurry, you soak the beans overnight. ), then combine them with all the other delicious ingredients in a large pot or Dutch oven. After that, it’s a matter of baking them low and slow in the oven until they’re tender, and the sauce. Then the caramelized onions will cook. Has sauce thickened to a syrupy consistency? What is the best part about an oven? This method is special because it allows the flavors to meld and deepen over time, creating a truly unique flavor. What is the best taste
Ingredients
For the Beans:
1 pound dried navy beans (Great Northern or a mix of beans work too!)
8 cups water (for soaking) for 2 days.
What is the recipe for baked beans?
6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces.
1 large onion, chopped.
2 cloves garlic, minced.
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup molasses (Grandma always insisted on Grandmama’s Molasse!
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed. 1 cup white sugar.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. 1 tablespoon cinnamon. 2 teaspoons
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. 1 teaspoon peppercorns
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. 1
1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon pepper.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.
4 cups water or chicken broth. (If you have a vegetarian diet, just
How do I follow step
Step 1: Soak the Beans
Rinse the dried beans and place them in a large bowl or pot. Cover with 8 cups of water. Let them soak overnight (at least 8 hours). How do I cook a chicken? If you’re short on time, you can do a quick soak. Place the beans in a pot, cover with water, bring to boil, and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let them soak for 1 hour.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan (that’s where the fat is stored). Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it and serve.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Drain the soaked beans and add them to the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and salt. Salt, pepper, and 4 cups of water or chicken broth. What is the best way to stir everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Bake
What is the best way to reduce the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop? Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake for 4-5 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce is bubbling. Has the sauce thickened? Stir occasionally during baking, adding more water or broth if needed to keep the beans submerged.
Step 6: Add Bacon
During the last hour of baking, stir in the crumbled bacon. How do I combine bacon and beans without getting soggy? This is a crucial step.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
Remove the pot from the oven and let the beans cool before serving. Is it worth the wait for the sauce to thicken?
What should I serve it with?
Homemade Baked Beans are incredibly versatile and pair well with so many things!
What is a classic BBQ?Serve them alongside grilled ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, and potato salad for the ultimate meal. What is the ultimate BBQ feast?
What is a casual cookout?What are some good substitutes for corn on the cob? Add a side of watermelon to your salad and enjoy!
What is a good cozy dinner?What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled chicken or pork chops? Add cornbread to your meal for extra comfort.
For breakfast or brunch: Believe it or not, these beans are also amazing served with scrambled eggs and toast for a hearty breakfast or brunch. It’s something my grandpa swore by!
My family tradition is to serve these at our annual Fourth of July picnic. They’re always a hit, and everyone asks for the recipe!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Baked Beans
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take these Homemade Baked Beans from good to absolutely amazing!
Bean Quality: Start with high-quality dried beans. Freshly dried beans will cook more evenly and have a better texture. Look for beans that are uniform in size and color, and avoid any that are cracked or broken.
Soaking is Key: Don’t skip the soaking step! Soaking the beans helps them cook more evenly and reduces the cooking time. If you forget to soak them overnight, the quick-soak method works well in a pinch, but overnight is always best.
Bacon Matters: Use thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture. The bacon fat is essential for adding richness to the beans, so don’t skimp on it! You can also use smoked bacon for an even smokier flavor.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and molasses to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet taste, start with less and add more as needed. I sometimes add a tablespoon of maple syrup for a unique twist.
Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beans. You can also use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for an extra smoky flavor. My husband loves when I add a bit of chipotle powder.
Slow and Low: Bake the beans at a low temperature for a longer period. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a richer, more complex taste. Don’t rush the process!
Liquid Consistency: Keep an eye on the liquid level while the beans are baking. If they start to dry out, add more water or broth to keep them submerged. The beans should be tender and the sauce should be thick and syrupy.
Vegetarian Option: To make these beans vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a tablespoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of the bacon.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Homemade Baked Beans taste even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch!
Room Temperature: Let the beans cool completely before storing. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They will thicken as they cool, so you may need to add a little water or broth when reheating.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the cooled beans in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the beans on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Add a little water or broth if needed to thin the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my Grandma’s cherished recipe for Homemade Baked Beans. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a taste of home, a connection to family, and a whole lot of deliciousness in every bite. I know this will become your go-to baked beans recipe! I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Please leave a comment below and let me know if you tried them and what variations you made. Happy cooking!
Homemade Baked Beans
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried kidney beans
- 1 large Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 cup Ketchup
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Rinse and soak the kidney beans overnight.
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add the drained beans, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours, or until beans are tender.
