How to Make Delicious Homemade Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic, hearty dish that many people enjoy. If you’ve only ever had canned baked beans, you’re missing out! Making them at home is easier than you might think, and the end result is much more flavorful and satisfying. In this article, we’ll go over a simple recipe for homemade baked beans that you can modify to suit your taste preferences.

The key to making delicious baked beans is to use a combination of sweet and savory ingredients. The sweetness comes from molasses and brown sugar, while the savory comes from onions, bacon, and spices. Together, they create a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, grab your ingredients, turn on the oven, and let’s get started!

Section: How to Make Homemade Baked Beans

Ingredients

To make homemade baked beans, you will need a few essential ingredients:

– 1 pound dried navy or white beans

– 1 onion, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/2 cup molasses

– 1/2 cup ketchup

– 1/4 cup brown sugar

– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1/4 teaspoon cumin

– Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparing the Beans

Before you can start making homemade baked beans, you need to prepare the beans. Start by pouring 1 pound of dried navy or white beans into a large bowl. Add enough cold water to cover the beans by at least 2 inches. Soak the beans overnight, or for at least 8 hours.

Once the beans have soaked, drain off the water and rinse them well. Transfer the beans to a large pot, and add 6-8 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let the beans simmer for 2-3 hours, until they are tender but not falling apart.

Making the Sauce

While the beans are cooking, you can start preparing the sauce. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup of molasses, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cumin. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

Combining the Beans and Sauce

When the beans are done cooking, drain off the excess liquid and add them to the pot with the sauce. Stir everything together until the beans are coated in the sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Baking the Beans

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Pour the beans into a large baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake the beans for 1 hour, or until the sauce is bubbly and the beans are tender.

Variations

Homemade baked beans are a classic dish, but you can make them your own by trying out some variations. Add diced bacon, sausage, or cooked ham to the beans for extra flavor and protein. You could also add diced bell pepper, jalapeno, or chili powder for a little bit of spice.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade baked beans are a great side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or any casual gathering. Serve them alongside your favorite grilled meats, coleslaw, cornbread, or baked potatoes.

Storing and Freezing

Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have extra beans that you won’t be able to eat, consider freezing them. Let the beans cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade baked beans is easier than you might think, and the results are delicious. By following these simple steps and adding your own personal touches, you can create a memorable dish that your family and friends will love. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients

Homemade baked beans is a classic side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of meals. It’s fairly easy to make and requires only a few key ingredients to get started. Here are the ingredients that you’ll need:

1. Navy beans

The key ingredient in any baked bean recipe is the beans themselves. The most common variety used in baked bean recipes are navy beans, which are small white beans that hold their shape well when cooked. You’ll need about 2 cups of dried navy beans for this recipe.

2. Bacon

Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to the baked beans that is hard to replicate with any other ingredient. You’ll need about 4 strips of bacon to get started.

3. Onion

Onions add great depth and flavor to any dish, especially baked beans. You’ll need one medium-sized onion, chopped finely for this recipe.

4. Molasses

Molasses is a key ingredient in this recipe, adding a rich sweetness that balances out the savory flavors. You’ll need about ¼ cup of molasses.

5. Brown sugar

Brown sugar adds a sweetness to the baked beans that complements the molasses. You’ll need about ¼ cup of brown sugar.

6. Mustard

Mustard adds a tangy kick to the baked beans that helps to cut through the sweetness. You’ll need about 2 tablespoons of mustard.

7. Ketchup

Ketchup adds a tomatoey sweetness to the baked beans that complements the other flavors. You’ll need about 2 tablespoons of ketchup.

8. Garlic

Garlic adds a subtle, savory flavor to the baked beans that enhances the other flavors. You’ll need about 2 cloves of garlic, minced.

9. Worcestershire sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a savory sauce that adds depth of flavor to any dish. You’ll need about 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce for this recipe.

10. Water or chicken broth

You’ll need enough water or chicken broth to cover the beans by about two inches. About 6 cups should be enough.

Ingredients for Homemade Baked Beans

Not only are homemade baked beans delicious and cheap to make, but they also provide loads of nutritional value. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create a large pot of tasty baked beans:

Soak the Beans

The first step to creating delicious homemade baked beans is soaking the beans overnight. Soaking the beans ensures that they cook evenly and helps to reduce the cooking time. Begin by rinsing the beans and then placing them into a large pot or bowl. Cover the beans with water and let them sit overnight – or for at least eight hours.

Prepare the Bacon and Onion

Once the beans have soaked, it’s time to start cooking. Begin by preheating the oven to 325°F. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel to cool. When it’s cool enough to handle, chop the bacon into bits.

Using the leftover bacon grease, cook the diced onion until it’s soft and translucent. Once the onion is cooked, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Combine the Ingredients

Once the bacon, onion, and garlic are cooked, add the soaked beans to the pot. Next, add the ketchup, molasses, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir all of the ingredients together until the beans are evenly coated.

Bake the Beans

With all of the ingredients combined, it’s time to bake the beans. Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the oven. Let the beans cook for approximately three hours or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. You can serve the baked beans fresh out of the oven or reheat them later – they’ll still be just as delicious.

Enjoy your homemade baked beans!

Now that you know how to make delicious baked beans from scratch, don’t forget to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own. Thanks for reading this article and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Come back soon for more fun and easy recipes that will make your taste buds dance! Happy cooking!