Traditional Baked Beans
There's something incredibly comforting about a hearty dish of traditional baked beans. This recipe is a time-honored classic, bringing together rich, smoky, and sweet flavors that are perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner. It's the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.
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Ingredients for Traditional Baked Beans
The star of this dish is the bacon, adding a smoky, savory depth. When you cook it until crispy, it provides both flavor and texture. Onion and garlic are the aromatic base, delivering a subtle sweetness and warmth. The pork and beans serve as the hearty foundation, soaking up all the flavors beautifully. Molasses gives the beans their characteristic sweetness and color, while ketchup adds tanginess. Brown sugar enhances the sweetness, balancing the Worcestershire sauce, which brings umami notes. Yellow mustard adds a bit of tang and complexity. Finally, a touch of salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika rounds out the dish with heat and smokiness.
Traditional Baked Beans Tips & Tricks
- If you like your beans a bit spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if you have one; it distributes heat evenly.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use olive oil instead.
Serving Ideas for Traditional Baked Beans
These baked beans pair wonderfully with grilled meats like ribs or chicken. They're also fantastic alongside cornbread or a crisp, fresh salad. For a complete meal, serve them with a grilled cheese sandwich or as a topping on a baked potato.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Absolutely! These beans taste even better the next day. Just reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
- Can I freeze the baked beans?
- Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Traditional Baked Beans Recipe Walkthrough
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures your beans will cook evenly. In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon until it's crispy, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the hot skillet. Cook these until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes. Transfer this aromatic mixture to a large baking dish.
Now, to the baking dish, add the pork and beans, molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring all the beans are coated with the flavorful sauce.
Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top, then cover the dish with a lid or foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours. This slow baking process allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
After 2 hours, remove the cover and bake for an additional 30 minutes. This step helps thicken the sauce to your desired consistency. Once done, let the beans cool slightly before serving.
Why This Traditional Baked Beans Works
- Smoky and sweet flavor profile that hits all the right notes.
- Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a cozy side dish.
- Uses pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and convenient.
- Minimal prep work with maximum flavor payoff.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) pork and beans
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- 2. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
- 3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- 4. In a large baking dish, combine the cooked onions and garlic with pork and beans, molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- 5. Stir the mixture thoroughly, then sprinkle the cooked bacon on top.
- 6. Cover the baking dish with a lid or foil and bake for 2 hours.
- 7. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened to your liking.
- 8. Let it cool slightly before serving.