Homemade Baked Beans recipe: Hearty and Delicious

Introduction

Alright, food lovers, let’s talk about a true comfort food classic: baked beans. There’s something about those sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that just hits the spot, isn’t there? Whether you’re at a summer barbecue, a cozy family dinner, or just looking for a hearty side dish, baked beans always seem to fit the bill, don’t they? And while canned baked beans can be convenient, there’s simply no comparison to a batch of homemade baked beans, made with love and care. This isn’t just about beans, folks, it’s about creating that comforting, home-cooked taste that brings everyone to the table. Today, I’ll guide you through crafting the ultimate baked beans recipe, from start to finish, with all the tips and tricks you need to make them absolutely perfect. So, grab your aprons, get your ingredients ready, and let’s get started on this delicious journey!

Heinz Baked Beans recipe – copycat!

Okay, so why should you take the time to make your own baked beans recipe instead of just opening a can? Well, for starters, the flavor difference is absolutely incredible! Homemade baked beans allow you to control every single element, from the quality of the ingredients to the balance of sweetness, smokiness, and spice. You can tailor them to your exact preferences and create a truly unforgettable dish. Plus, when you make them from scratch, you’re not only going to be making something delicious but also something that’s made with care. It’s about more than just beans; it’s about creating a dish that’s a labor of love, and that’s totally worth it. Making a baked beans recipe at home ensures a flavor profile that’s miles above store-bought, offering a depth and richness that simply can’t be matched.

What you need to make baked beans from scratch

Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this amazing side dish. The key to a great baked beans recipe lies in the quality of the ingredients you choose and the balance of flavors you get. It’s not just about using beans, it’s about making them shine. So, here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need:

Canned vs dried beans

*   1 pound dried navy beans (or Great Northern beans, or a mix)

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Beans used for Baked Beans

• Beans:
  • 1 pound dried navy beans (or Great Northern beans, or a mix)

Chicken vs vegetable stock/broth

• Aromatics:
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Meats (Optional):
  • ½ pound bacon, diced
  • ¼ pound smoked ham, diced (or ham hock)
• Sauce:
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • ½ cup molasses
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
• Liquid:
  • 6-8 cups water or chicken broth (for soaking and cooking)

How to make baked beans from scratch

Okay, it’s time to get cooking! While making a baked beans recipe from scratch might seem a bit time-consuming, the result is absolutely worth it, and the process is actually quite simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this flavorful dish:

1. Soak the Beans: Place the dried beans in a large pot. Cover them with 6-8 cups of cold water or chicken broth. Soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. This step is crucial for softening the beans.
2. Pre-cook the Beans: Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Return them to the pot and cover with fresh water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Drain the beans again, and set aside.
3. Cook the Meats and Aromatics: If using bacon, cook it in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. If using, add the ham and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked bacon to the pot. Add the pre-cooked beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, dry mustard, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt to taste. Stir everything together to combine all the ingredients well.
5. Bake: Cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally during baking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
6. Taste and Serve: Once baked, remove the pot from the oven and let the baked beans rest for 10 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to serve baked beans

Alright, while the recipe is relatively easy, a few tips and tricks will ensure your baked beans recipe is nothing short of perfection. So let’s get into the details that can enhance your overall cooking experience:

• Don’t Skip the Soak: Soaking the beans is crucial for tender results. It helps them to cook evenly, so do not skip this step.
• Low and Slow is Key: Baking the beans at a low temperature for a longer period of time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a richer and more complex result.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet beans, reduce the amount of molasses or brown sugar. It’s all about personalizing the recipe to your liking.
• Add Some Heat: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a bit of a kick, if you enjoy spicy flavors.
• Use Good Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. It makes a great difference in the overall flavor of the baked beans.
• Taste and Adjust: Taste the beans during the baking process and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences. This will guarantee a perfect final product.

Breads for dunking

Alright, let’s talk about nutrition. While we all love a good serving of baked beans, it’s also good to have an idea of what we’re eating. Please keep in mind these are estimations and can change based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes.

*Please keep in mind that these are only approximate nutritional values, and may change based on ingredients used.

Watch how to make it

Got some questions about making a baked beans recipe? No worries, here are the most common FAQs to help you out:

• Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
  • Yes, but if using canned beans, reduce the cooking time significantly, and you may skip the pre-cooking. Ensure you drain and rinse them well before using.
• Can I make this in a slow cooker?
  • Yes, you can cook this recipe in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. This will result in very tender beans and a rich sauce.
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
  • Absolutely! Just omit the bacon and ham. You can add extra vegetables or use liquid smoke to add depth of flavor.
• How long will baked beans last?
  • Homemade baked beans can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
• Can I adjust the level of spice?
  • Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference. Add more red pepper flakes or use your favorite hot sauce for a spicier version, or you can omit them completely if you prefer a mild dish.
• What type of beans are best for baked beans?
  • Navy beans are traditionally used, but Great Northern beans or a mix also work well. Feel free to try different types to see what you like most.
• Can I use a different sweetener?
  • Yes, if you want to use something other than molasses and brown sugar, you can substitute with maple syrup, honey, or other sweeteners, but be sure to adjust the sweetness according to your preference.

Homemade Heinz Baked Beans

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans (or Great Northern beans, or a mix)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ pound bacon, diced (optional)
  • ¼ pound smoked ham, diced (optional)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • ½ cup molasses
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
• 6-8 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup of water (Optional)

Instructions

1. Place the dried beans in a large pot. Cover them with 6-8 cups of cold water or chicken broth. Soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
2. Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Return them to the pot and cover with fresh water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Drain the beans again, and set aside.
3. If using bacon, cook it in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. If using, add the ham and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Return the cooked bacon to the pot. Add the pre-cooked beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, dry mustard, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt to taste. Stir everything together to combine all the ingredients well.
5. Cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally during baking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water or broth.
6. If the sauce is not thick enough to your liking, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water. Whisk into sauce and cook for a few minutes until thickened

Recipe Notes:

• For a more smoky flavor, add a smoked ham hock to the pot along with the beans during cooking.
• Adjust the spices to your liking.
• If you do not have a Dutch oven you can use an oven-safe pot with a lid.
• Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Your guide to making the ultimate baked beans recipe at home. With this recipe and all the included tips and tricks, you are now equipped to bake the most flavorful baked beans that are going to be the perfect addition to your next cookout. The combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, plus the tenderness of the beans, make this dish irresistible and perfect for any occasion. So, go ahead and fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and create a batch of homemade baked beans that will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking, and remember, the best meals are those shared with loved ones! Enjoy!

“Wondering if baked beans are a nutritious choice? Dive into our detailed guide on:Are Baked Beans Healthy to Eat? and discover the truth!”