How to Make Delicious Baked Beans from Scratch

Baked beans are an all-time classic when it comes to comfort food. The warm and satisfying taste of tender beans soaked in a thick, sweet and tangy sauce is just perfect for a cozy, heartwarming meal at any time of the day. If you’ve never made baked beans before, you’d be surprised at how easy it is to whip up a batch of this classic dish.

First, you need to decide whether you want to use canned beans or start from scratch with dried beans. If you opt for canned beans, you can skip the soaking step, shave off a few hours of cooking time, and still end up with a delicious result. However, if you’re going for the full experience, soaking and cooking dried beans give the dish a more intense flavor and a better texture. In this article, we’ll cover both methods so you can choose the one that suits you best and make baked beans like a pro.

10 Easy Steps to Make Baked Beans from Scratch

Baked beans are a classic and delicious dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Making your own baked beans from scratch is easy and will impress your family and friends. Here are 10 easy steps to make baked beans from scratch.

Step 1: Soak the beans overnight

The key to making baked beans is to soak the beans overnight. In a large bowl, add the beans and cover with water. Let them soak overnight.

Step 2: Drain the beans

The next day, drain the beans and rinse with water. This will help remove any impurities and make the beans more tender.

Step 3: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Sauté onions and garlic

In a pan, heat some oil and sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and translucent.

Step 5: Add tomato paste and spices

Add the tomato paste and spices such as paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for a few minutes until the mixture is fragrant.

Step 6: Add molasses and brown sugar

Add the molasses and brown sugar to the pan and stir until the sugar has dissolved.

Step 7: Add the beans and broth

Add the beans and broth to the pan and mix until everything is combined.

Step 8: Pour the mixture into a baking dish

Pour the mixture into a baking dish and smooth out the top.

Step 9: Bake in the oven

Bake in the oven for 1-2 hours or until the beans are tender and the sauce is thick and bubbly.

Step 10: Let it cool and serve

Let the baked beans cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.

In conclusion, making baked beans from scratch is an easy and delicious dish that everyone can enjoy. By following these 10 easy steps, you can make a flavorful batch of baked beans that your family and friends will love. Give it a try and see how easy it is to make this classic dish at home.

Ingredients

When it comes to making baked beans, getting the right combination of ingredients is essential to achieving that delicious, savory flavor. Here are some of the key ingredients you’ll need to gather before you can get started:

1. Beans

The star of any baked beans recipe is, of course, the beans themselves. You can use any type of bean you like, but traditional baked beans are made with navy beans or Great Northern beans. These beans have a creamy texture that works well in this dish. Be sure to rinse and drain your beans before you begin cooking.

2. Onion

Onion is a staple ingredient in many savory dishes, and baked beans are no exception. Chopped onion adds a depth of flavor to your beans that really brings everything together. You can use any type of onion you have on hand, but white or yellow onions are the most common.

3. Bacon

Bacon is an optional ingredient in baked beans, but it’s one that many people swear by. The smoky flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the beans and the tanginess of the sauce. You can use any type of bacon you like, but thick-cut bacon is a popular choice.

4. Garlic

Garlic is another ingredient that can take your baked beans to the next level. It adds a subtle depth of flavor that really helps to balance out the sweetness of the beans. You only need a few cloves of garlic to make a big impact.

5. Molasses

Molasses is a key ingredient in most baked bean recipes. It adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish. You can use light or dark molasses, depending on your preference. Be sure to measure it out carefully, as too much molasses can overpower the other flavors in the dish.

6. Brown Sugar

In addition to molasses, brown sugar is another sweetener that’s commonly used in baked bean recipes. It adds a caramel-like flavor to the dish that balances nicely with the acidity of the tomatoes. Use light or dark brown sugar, depending on your preference.

7. Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard is a common ingredient in many baked bean recipes. It gives the dish a little bit of tanginess and cuts through the sweetness of the sauce. Use as much or as little as you like, depending on your taste preferences.

8. Canned Tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are a key ingredient in most baked bean recipes. They add acidity and give the sauce a nice, tomatoey flavor. You can use any type of canned tomatoes you like, including diced, crushed, or whole.

9. Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a savory, umami flavor that can really add a lot to your baked beans. It adds a depth of flavor that helps to balance out the sweetness of the sauce. Use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way.

10. Salt and Pepper

Last but not least, don’t forget to season your baked beans with salt and pepper. These simple ingredients can really make a big difference in the final flavor of your dish. Add them gradually, tasting as you go, until you achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients Needed for Baked Beans

Once you have decided to bake some beans, the first basic thing to do is ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients at hand. Remember that the ingredients will determine the flavor and quality of your baked beans. Below are some of the ingredients that you need:

Dried Navy Beans

Selecting the most fitting beans is an essential step in making baked beans. Dried navy beans are the most used bean for baked beans and contain less starch than other types of beans. Soak beans in water overnight before cooking. You can use canned beans as well, but the taste and texture will not be the same as with dried beans.

Bacon

Bacon introduces savory flavors and a little smokiness to your baked beans. The bacon will need to be cooked before adding it into the pot with other ingredients.

Onion and Garlic

Since onions and garlic are the base of many cuisines, they are an important flavor component for baked beans. Mince the garlic and dice the onion, then sauté them together until soft before adding other ingredients.

Molasses and Brown Sugar

Molasses and brown sugar bring sweetness to baked beans and help to add a sticky sauce, while their caramelized flavor soothes the acidity of the tomato-based sauce.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Mustard

The tangy flavor of apple cider vinegar and mustard brighten and add a balance to the sweetness of the Molasses and the Brown Sugar, giving your baked beans more depth of flavor. You can adjust the quantity of these ingredients to match your taste preference.

Overall, these ingredients come together to create the perfect blend of flavors that make baked beans an irresistibly tasty and nourishing dish for everyday meals or special occasions. Make sure to have these ingredients in your kitchen and follow the steps carefully and keep the oven temperature correct, and you will end up with delicious baked beans that the whole family will enjoy.

Enjoy Your Scrumptious Baked Beans!

I hope you found this guide helpful in creating the perfect baked beans. Remember that cooking is all about experimenting, so feel free to add your own spin on things. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to visit again for more delicious recipes that will make your taste buds dance!