Baked beans are a tasty, hearty dish perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But canned baked beans often come with too much sugar and preservatives. Learning how to make baked beans from scratch gives you healthier, more delicious homemade baked beans that you can adjust to your taste.
In this blog, you’ll discover a simple baked beans recipe you can make at home with a few basic ingredients. Whether you want to impress your family or enjoy a comforting meal, these homemade baked beans are sure to become a favorite.
Why Make Homemade Baked Beans?
Making homemade baked beans lets you control the flavor, sweetness, and spice. You can use less sugar, add more smoky flavors, or make them completely vegetarian. Plus, they taste fresher and richer than anything from a can.
Ingredients for Homemade Baked Beans
Here’s what you’ll need for this easy baked beans recipe:
- 2 cups dried navy beans (or white beans)
- 6 cups water
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 slices of bacon or 2 tbsp olive oil (for vegetarian option)
- ½ cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup molasses or honey
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
How to Cook Baked Beans: Step-by-Step
Here are the following simple steps of how to cook baked beans
1. Soak the Beans
Rinse your dried beans, place them in a large bowl, and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight (8-12 hours). This helps them cook faster and makes them easier to digest.
2. Boil the Beans
Drain the soaked beans and place them in a large pot with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Drain the beans and set aside.
3. Cook the Flavor Base
In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon (or heat olive oil for a vegetarian version) over medium heat until crispy. Add chopped onions and cook until they’re soft and golden. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Mix the Sauce
Add ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir well to make a rich, flavorful sauce.
5. Add the Beans
Stir the cooked beans into the sauce. Mix everything until the beans are coated with the sauce.
6. Bake the Beans
Cover the pot with a lid or foil. Place it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) and bake for 2-3 hours. Stir every hour. If the beans start to look dry, add a splash of water.
Tips for Perfect Slow-Cooked Baked Beans
- Use dried beans for the best texture: They hold their shape better than canned beans.
- Adjust sweetness: If you like your baked beans less sweet, use less brown sugar or molasses.
- Add spice: Add chili flakes or hot sauce for spicy homemade baked beans.
- Cook low and slow: Slow cooking helps the flavors blend perfectly, making your homemade beans rich and delicious.
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Baked Beans
Homemade baked beans are amazing on their own, but they’re even better with:
- Toasted bread
- Fried eggs
- Grilled sausages
- Roasted vegetables
- Baked potatoes
They also make a great side dish for BBQs and picnics!
Conclusion
Learning how to make baked beans from scratch is easy and rewarding. With this simple homemade baked beans recipe, you’ll enjoy rich, flavorful beans without the extra sugar and preservatives found in store-bought versions. Give this easy baked beans recipe a try, and you’ll never want to go back to canned beans again!
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
A: Yes! Drain and rinse 3-4 cans of white beans. Skip soaking and boiling, and start from cooking the flavor base. Bake for 1 hour instead of 2-3 hours.
Q2: How long do homemade baked beans last?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Q3: Can I make baked beans without bacon?
A: Absolutely! Replace bacon with olive oil and add a bit of smoked paprika for that smoky taste.
Q4: How do I make baked beans thicker?
A: Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of baking to let extra liquid evaporate and thicken the sauce.
Q5: Can I cook baked beans in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! After soaking and boiling the beans, combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.