Easy Homemade Baked Beans: A Delicious and Simple Recipe
Baked beans, a staple in many cuisines around the world, are often associated with hearty breakfasts, backyard barbecues, and comforting dinners. While canned baked beans are readily available, nothing compares to the rich, smoky, and savory flavor of homemade baked beans. This recipe provides a simple and easy way to create delicious baked beans from scratch, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Say goodbye to overly sweet and processed canned beans, and hello to a homemade version that’s both satisfying and customizable to your taste preferences.
## Why Make Baked Beans From Scratch?
Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore why making baked beans from scratch is worth the effort:
* **Superior Flavor:** Homemade baked beans boast a depth of flavor that canned varieties simply can’t match. You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to create a truly unique and personalized taste.
* **Healthier Option:** Canned baked beans often contain high levels of sugar, sodium, and preservatives. Making your own allows you to control these elements, resulting in a healthier and more nutritious dish.
* **Cost-Effective:** While the initial investment in dried beans might seem higher, they yield a much larger quantity of cooked beans compared to canned, making it a more budget-friendly option in the long run.
* **Customizable:** The beauty of homemade baked beans is the ability to tailor the recipe to your liking. Add different spices, vegetables, or meats to create your perfect batch.
* **Satisfying:** There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious from scratch. Making baked beans is a rewarding culinary experience.
## Ingredients for Easy Homemade Baked Beans
This recipe uses simple and readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Dried Beans:** 1 pound (450g) of dried navy beans (or Great Northern, pinto, or cannellini beans). Navy beans are the most traditional choice for baked beans.
* **Water:** For soaking and cooking the beans.
* **Bacon:** 6-8 slices, diced. Bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the beans. You can substitute with salt pork, ham hocks, or smoked sausage for different flavor profiles.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Onion provides a base layer of flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic note.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/2 cup, packed. Brown sugar adds sweetness and molasses notes.
* **Molasses:** 1/4 cup. Molasses enhances the sweetness and adds a rich, complex flavor.
* **Ketchup:** 1/4 cup. Ketchup contributes acidity and sweetness.
* **Mustard:** 2 tablespoons. Dijon or yellow mustard adds tanginess and depth.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons. Apple cider vinegar provides acidity and helps to balance the sweetness.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 tablespoon. Worcestershire sauce adds umami and savory notes.
* **Salt:** To taste.
* **Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Diced bell pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, maple syrup, or diced tomatoes.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Colander or strainer
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Oven
## Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Homemade Baked Beans
Follow these detailed instructions to create a batch of delicious homemade baked beans:
**Step 1: Soak the Beans**
* **Rinse the Beans:** Place the dried beans in a colander or strainer and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This removes any dirt or debris.
* **Soak the Beans (Overnight Method):** Place the rinsed beans in a large pot and cover them with at least 8 cups of cold water. The beans will expand as they soak, so ensure there’s enough water. Let the beans soak for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, at room temperature.
* **Soak the Beans (Quick Soak Method):** If you’re short on time, you can use the quick soak method. Place the rinsed beans in a large pot and cover them with at least 8 cups of cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then boil for 2 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let the beans soak for 1 hour.
* **Drain and Rinse Again:** After soaking, drain the beans in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water. This removes any substances that can cause digestive discomfort.
**Step 2: Cook the Beans**
* **Place Beans in Pot:** Transfer the soaked and rinsed beans back to the large pot or Dutch oven.
* **Cover with Fresh Water:** Add enough fresh water to cover the beans by about 2 inches. This ensures that the beans cook evenly and don’t dry out.
* **Bring to a Boil:** Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
* **Simmer:** Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the beans gently for 1-1.5 hours, or until they are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The cooking time will vary depending on the age and type of beans.
* **Check for Tenderness:** To check for doneness, carefully remove a few beans from the pot and taste them. They should be soft and easily mashed with a fork.
* **Drain (Optional):** You can drain the beans at this point, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid. The cooking liquid adds flavor and helps to create a saucier final product. However, if you prefer a thicker consistency, you can skip this step.
**Step 3: Prepare the Sauce**
* **Cook the Bacon:** While the beans are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside, reserving the bacon grease in the skillet.
* **Sauté the Onion:** Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* **Add the Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
* **Combine Sauce Ingredients:** Add the brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
* **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer over low heat and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika for a more complex flavor.
**Step 4: Combine Beans and Sauce**
* **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
* **Combine:** Add the cooked beans (and reserved cooking liquid, if using) to the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the beans evenly with the sauce.
* **Add Bacon:** Stir in the cooked bacon. Reserve a small amount for topping, if desired.
**Step 5: Bake the Beans**
* **Transfer to Baking Dish (Optional):** If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the bean mixture to a baking dish. A 9×13 inch baking dish works well.
* **Cover and Bake:** Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5-2 hours. Covering the beans prevents them from drying out during baking.
* **Uncover and Bake Longer (Optional):** For a thicker, more caramelized top, uncover the beans during the last 30 minutes of baking. This allows the sauce to reduce and the top to brown slightly.
* **Check for Doneness:** The beans are done when the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and the beans are tender and flavorful.
**Step 6: Rest and Serve**
* **Let Rest:** Remove the baked beans from the oven and let them rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even further and the sauce to thicken slightly.
* **Serve:** Serve the baked beans hot, garnished with the reserved bacon (if any) or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. They are delicious on their own or as a side dish to grilled meats, cornbread, or coleslaw.
## Tips for Perfect Homemade Baked Beans
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your baked beans. Use high-quality bacon, fresh spices, and good-quality molasses.
* **Don’t Skip the Soaking:** Soaking the beans is crucial for reducing cooking time and improving digestibility. If you’re short on time, use the quick soak method, but the overnight method is preferable.
* **Cook the Beans Until Tender:** Ensure the beans are cooked until they are tender but not mushy. Overcooked beans will become mushy and lose their texture.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** The sweetness of the baked beans is a matter of personal preference. Adjust the amount of brown sugar and molasses to your liking.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt, pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor.
* **Use a Dutch Oven:** If you have a Dutch oven, it’s the perfect vessel for making baked beans. It provides even heat distribution and can be used on the stovetop and in the oven.
* **Slow and Low Baking:** Baking the beans at a low temperature for a longer period of time allows the flavors to meld together and creates a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Add diced bell pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, maple syrup, or diced tomatoes to customize the recipe to your liking.
* **Make Ahead:** Baked beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently before serving.
* **Freeze for Later:** Baked beans freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Variations on the Recipe
This basic recipe can be easily adapted to create different variations of baked beans:
* **Vegetarian Baked Beans:** Omit the bacon and use olive oil or vegetable oil to sauté the onion and garlic. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor of bacon.
* **Spicy Baked Beans:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Maple Baked Beans:** Substitute some of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a sweeter and more complex flavor.
* **Bourbon Baked Beans:** Add a splash of bourbon to the sauce for a boozy and flavorful twist.
* **Slow Cooker Baked Beans:** Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This is a great option for hands-off cooking.
* **Pressure Cooker Baked Beans:** Use a pressure cooker to significantly reduce the cooking time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking beans in a pressure cooker.
## Serving Suggestions
Baked beans are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:
* **Breakfast:** Serve baked beans as part of a hearty breakfast with eggs, toast, and sausage.
* **Barbecue:** Serve baked beans as a side dish at barbecues alongside grilled meats, coleslaw, and potato salad.
* **Dinner:** Serve baked beans as a side dish with cornbread, mashed potatoes, and green beans.
* **Sandwiches:** Use baked beans as a filling for sandwiches or sliders.
* **Baked Potato Topping:** Top a baked potato with baked beans, cheese, and sour cream.
* **Nachos:** Use baked beans as a topping for nachos.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on the recipe above; will vary depending on specific ingredients and serving size)
* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 15-20g
## Conclusion
Making homemade baked beans is a simple and rewarding culinary experience. This recipe provides a basic framework that you can customize to your liking. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a batch of delicious and satisfying baked beans that are far superior to anything you can buy in a can. So, ditch the canned stuff and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!