
Easy Homemade Baked Beans: A Delicious and Simple Recipe
Baked beans are a classic comfort food, perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a cozy night in. While canned baked beans are convenient, nothing beats the flavor of homemade. This recipe is designed to be simple and straightforward, using readily available ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. Get ready to enjoy a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s far superior to anything you can buy in a store.
Why Make Baked Beans From Scratch?
There are several compelling reasons to make your own baked beans:
* **Superior Flavor:** Homemade baked beans have a deeper, more complex flavor than canned versions. You control the ingredients and can adjust the sweetness, smokiness, and spice levels to your liking.
* **Healthier Ingredients:** Canned baked beans often contain excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and preservatives. When you make your own, you can use healthier sweeteners, control the sodium content, and avoid artificial additives.
* **Cost-Effective:** Making baked beans from scratch is often more economical than buying canned, especially if you buy dried beans in bulk.
* **Customization:** You can easily customize the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Add different types of meat, vegetables, or spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
* **Satisfaction:** There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from making something delicious from scratch. It’s a rewarding culinary experience that you can share with your family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Dried Beans:** 1 pound (450g) of dried navy beans (or great northern beans, or pinto beans). Navy beans are the most traditional choice for baked beans, but other varieties work well too.
* **Water:** For soaking and cooking the beans.
* **Salt Pork or Bacon:** 4 ounces (115g), diced. Salt pork or bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to the beans. You can use pancetta as a substitute or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version (consider adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor).
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Onion provides a foundational flavor base for the beans.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
* **Molasses:** 1/2 cup (120ml). Molasses is a key ingredient that gives baked beans their characteristic sweetness and rich, complex flavor. Use unsulphured molasses for the best taste.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/4 cup (50g). Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth of flavor. You can use light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference.
* **Ketchup:** 1/4 cup (60ml). Ketchup adds a tangy sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce.
* **Yellow Mustard:** 2 tablespoons. Yellow mustard adds a subtle tanginess and enhances the other flavors.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons. Apple cider vinegar adds acidity and balances the sweetness.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami flavor.
* **Salt:** To taste. Salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
* **Black Pepper:** To taste. Black pepper adds a touch of spice.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Diced bell peppers, diced celery, diced carrots, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, maple syrup.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Bowl:** For soaking the beans.
* **Large Pot or Dutch Oven:** For cooking the beans and baking the beans.
* **Oven:** For baking the beans.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring the ingredients.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping the vegetables and meat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make delicious homemade baked beans:
Step 1: Soak the Beans
The first step is to soak the dried beans. This helps to soften them and reduce cooking time. There are two methods for soaking:
* **Overnight Soak:** Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water. Make sure the water level is several inches above the beans, as they will expand as they soak. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly before cooking.
* **Quick Soak:** If you’re short on time, you can use the quick soak method. Place the dried beans in a large pot and cover with plenty of cold water. Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for 2 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let the beans soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly before cooking.
**Why Soak Beans?** Soaking beans serves several purposes:
* **Reduces Cooking Time:** Soaking hydrates the beans, which significantly reduces the amount of time they need to cook.
* **Improves Texture:** Soaked beans cook more evenly, resulting in a creamier texture.
* **Reduces Gas:** Soaking helps to remove some of the indigestible carbohydrates that can cause gas.
Step 2: Cook the Beans
After soaking, it’s time to cook the beans. This can be done on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
**Stovetop Method:**
1. Place the soaked and drained beans in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Cover the beans with fresh water. The water level should be about 2 inches above the beans.
3. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
4. Cook the beans until they are tender but not mushy, about 1-1.5 hours. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the beans covered.
5. Once the beans are cooked, drain them, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
**Slow Cooker Method:**
1. Place the soaked and drained beans in a slow cooker.
2. Cover the beans with fresh water. The water level should be about 2 inches above the beans.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beans are tender.
4. Once the beans are cooked, drain them, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While the beans are cooking, you can prepare the sauce. This is where the magic happens and the flavor of the baked beans really comes to life.
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced salt pork or bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove the cooked meat from the pot and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Combine the Beans and Sauce
Now it’s time to combine the cooked beans and the sauce.
1. Add the drained beans to the pot with the sauce. Also, add the reserved cooking liquid (about 1 cup). If you prefer a thicker sauce, start with less liquid and add more as needed.
2. Stir in the cooked salt pork or bacon.
3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Be careful with the salt, as the salt pork or bacon may already be quite salty.
4. Mix well to ensure that the beans are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Bake the Beans
Baking the beans allows the flavors to fully develop and creates a rich, harmonious dish.
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Cover the pot or Dutch oven with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil. This will help to prevent the beans from drying out during baking.
3. Bake the beans for 2-3 hours, or until they are thick and bubbly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. If the beans become too dry during baking, add a little more of the reserved cooking liquid or water.
5. In the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the lid or aluminum foil to allow the top of the beans to brown slightly.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the baked beans are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even further.
Serve the baked beans hot, as a side dish or as a main course. They are delicious with cornbread, biscuits, coleslaw, or grilled meats.
Tips for the Best Baked Beans
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your baked beans will taste. Use good-quality beans, salt pork or bacon, and molasses.
* **Don’t Skip the Soaking Step:** Soaking the beans is essential for reducing cooking time and improving texture.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer less sweet baked beans, reduce the amount of molasses and brown sugar. If you prefer sweeter beans, add a little more of each.
* **Add Some Heat:** For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different types of meat, vegetables, and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
* **Use a Dutch Oven:** A Dutch oven is ideal for making baked beans because it distributes heat evenly and retains moisture well.
* **Slow and Low:** Baking the beans at a low temperature for a long time allows the flavors to fully develop.
* **Let Them Rest:** Letting the beans rest before serving allows the flavors to meld together and creates a richer, more harmonious dish.
Variations and Add-ins
One of the best things about baked beans is that they are incredibly versatile. Here are some variations and add-ins to try:
* **Meat:** Instead of salt pork or bacon, try using ham hocks, sausage, or ground beef.
* **Vegetables:** Add diced bell peppers, diced celery, diced carrots, or mushrooms.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices such as chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, or garlic powder.
* **Sweeteners:** Use maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar instead of molasses and brown sugar.
* **Liquids:** Add a splash of bourbon, beer, or coffee to the sauce for a unique flavor.
* **Beans:** Use a combination of different types of beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans.
* **Vegetarian:** Omit the meat entirely and add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Baked beans are a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways:
* **Side Dish:** Serve them as a side dish with barbecued meats, grilled chicken, or hamburgers.
* **Main Course:** Serve them as a main course with cornbread or biscuits.
* **Breakfast:** Serve them as part of a hearty breakfast with eggs and toast.
* **Potlucks:** Bring them to potlucks and barbecues.
* **Camping:** Make them ahead of time and take them camping.
Storage and Reheating
* **Storage:** Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the baked beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Add a little water or broth if they seem too dry.
* **Freezing:** Baked beans can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on a 6-serving recipe):
* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 10-15g
*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Conclusion
Making homemade baked beans is a simple and rewarding culinary experience. With this recipe, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that’s far superior to anything you can buy in a store. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy the best baked beans you’ve ever tasted!