Mouthwatering Southern Baked Beans Recipe
Attention all foodies and kitchen wizards, if you are looking for a hearty, flavorful and easy-to-prepare dish that is also budget-friendly, we have just the recipe for you: Easy Southern Baked Beans! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or an intimate family dinner, these southern-style baked beans will be the star of the show.
If you have been on the hunt for that perfect baked beans recipe that is both mouth-watering and easy to whip up, then look no further! Our Easy Southern Baked Beans Recipe is exactly what you need. No longer will you have to settle for mediocre canned beans when you can create your own homemade version in less time than it takes to venture out to snag a pre-made side dish from your local grocery store.
Our Easy Southern Baked Beans Recipe calls for a simple list of ingredients that can be found in most kitchens. The dish is prepared in one pot and then baked in the oven for maximum flavor. This recipe is a real game-changer, as it combines all the classic southern ingredients such as bacon, brown sugar, harissa, onion, green pepper and mustard to produce baked beans that are truly transformative.
So why not add that special touch with our homemade baked beans? Your taste buds will thank you. Get ready to learn how to make the best Southern Baked Beans recipe ever with this step-by-step guide.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Folks, listen up! If you’re looking for some real Southern flavor in your life, then this Easy Southern Baked Beans recipe is just what you need. I guarantee it’ll be a hit with all your friends and family.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s authentic Southern cooking at its finest. With two types of beans, white beans and kidney beans, mixed with brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, onion, green pepper, and bacon – this dish is sure to make your mouth water just thinking about it.
Let’s talk about the flavors for a minute. The harissa seasoning gives the dish a little bit of a kick, while the brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that elevates the flavor profile to new heights. The combination of smoky bacon and tangy ketchup makes this dish irresistibly delicious.
And the best part? It’s super easy to make! You don’t need to be an experienced chef to whip up this recipe in no time flat. All you need is a can opener, a few simple ingredients, and a little bit of patience while the dish bakes to perfection in the oven.
This Easy Southern Baked Beans recipe is perfect for any occasion: picnics, barbecues or even potlucks. It’s guaranteed to be the star of the show wherever you choose to take it. Trust me folks, once you taste these beans and realize how easy they are to make, you’ll never go back to store-bought baked beans again.
So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy some real Southern hospitality with this amazing dish! Your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredient List
To make Easy Southern Baked Beans Recipe, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 cans of pork and beans (28 oz. each)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 green pepper, chopped
Optional Ingredients:
If you like your baked beans with some extra flavors, feel free to add any of these optional ingredients:
- Ground beef (1 pound)
- Harissa or any hot sauce to taste
- Barbecue sauce
- Garlic paste or minced garlic cloves
- Yellow onion, finely chopped
- Bell pepper, chopped
- Canned beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or navy beans
With these ingredients in hand, we can start cooking!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Before starting to cook, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This will help your easy southern baked beans get a crispy crust while remaining soft inside.
Step 2: Fry the Bacon and Cook the Onion and Green Pepper
In a large skillet, fry 4 slices of bacon chopped. Once it’s ready, remove it from the skillet and reserve the rendered fat. In the same skillet, sauté 1 medium chopped onion, until it becomes soft and translucent in appearance. Then add 1 green pepper chopped and continue to cook for approximately three minutes.
Step 3: Mix all Ingredients Together
Into the skillet with cooked vegetables, add 2 cans of pork and beans, 2 cups of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and half a small jar of harissa. Mix well until everything is combined.
Step 4: Bake in Oven
Place everything into a large baking dish or casserole dish with a lid. Finally, lay the bacon strips over the top in an X shape pattern. Put it in the oven and bake for approximately one hour or until browned on top.
Step 5: Final Check-Up
Check for seasoning when it is time to take out your homemade baked beans from the oven. You can adjust the flavor according to your preferences by adding more salt, pepper, or even hot sauce. Serve hot as a side dish or main course meal.
Enjoy your new knowledge by making this fantastic easy southern baked beans recipe at home!
Substitutions and Variations
Greetings, my fellow Southern food lovers! Are you ready to take a little twist to this classic baked beans recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:
First of all, the type of beans you use can make a huge difference in taste and texture. While white beans are the traditional choice for Southern baked beans, don’t be afraid to mix things up and use other types of beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans or navy beans. This will give the dish a varied texture and flavor.
Next, if you want to add more heat to your baked beans, I suggest trying harissa instead of ketchup. Harissa is a Moroccan hot chili paste that adds a smoky and spicy flavor to the dish.
For those who like tangy flavors in their baked beans, replace yellow mustard with barbecue sauce. This will give the dish a unique kicked-up flair that is simply mouth-watering!
Now, let’s talk about the meat. While this recipe features bacon as its meat ingredient, it can easily be swapped out with ground beef for an alternative flavor profile that works perfectly with these southern-style baked bean dishes.
Lastly, if you’re looking to make this a vegetarian-friendly recipe or just want a meatless option, consider adding some diced green pepper or onions for an extra burst of flavor.
Remember, cooking is all about exploring new taste combinations and finding what works best for you. So get creative and have fun!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving up these easy Southern Baked Beans, I like to keep it pretty simple. These beans have such a wonderful, rich flavor that they can easily stand alone as a side dish. However, if you’re looking to make a full meal with them, here are some of my favorite pairing options!
First off, I think these baked beans go great with barbecue. Whether you’re grilling up some ribs or chicken, the savory and slightly sweet flavor of the beans pairs perfectly with smoky meats.
If you want to stick with a Southern theme for your meal, consider serving these baked beans alongside some classic fried chicken and collard greens. You really can’t go wrong with that combination!
You could also pair these baked beans with a pot of slow-cooked greens or even as a side dish for your breakfast spread. They’re versatile enough to work with just about any meal!
One thing I will note is that these beans are quite filling on their own, so you won’t need to serve up huge portions. A small scoop or two will be just perfect alongside your main dish.
Overall, I think these easy Southern Baked Beans are a perfect addition to any meal that needs a bit of comfort food charm. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings and find your own perfect match!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead dishes, baked beans are a great option. You can easily prepare them one or two days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, letting the flavors of the ingredients meld together can even make the dish taste better.
When it’s time to reheat the beans, you have a few options. You could use the microwave method and simply heat them up in a microwave-safe dish in 1-minute increments until hot. However, using the oven is another great option for giving your baked beans that homemade taste again. Simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, transfer the beans to an oven-safe dish, and bake for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Baked beans make great leftovers as they tend to absorb even more flavor after being stored. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them using one of the methods mentioned above.
It’s worth noting that while canned baked beans can last for several years if unopened, once opened they should be used within 5 – 7 days if stored properly. So, if you decide to use canned baked beans as part of this recipe, be sure to consume any uneaten portion within that timeframe to ensure freshness.
Overall, baked beans are a classic Southern side dish that will always be a crowd-pleaser and knowing how to handle them for meal prep will help create a perfect culinary experience for everyone at your table.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I have come across numerous recipes that call for baked beans. In my experience, many folks tend to underestimate the importance of this side dish when preparing southern-style meals. So here are my tips on how to ensure perfect results for your easy southern baked beans recipe.
Firstly, preheating the oven is of utmost importance. Preheating ensures that the beans are cooked thoroughly and evenly, and prevents them from being overcooked or undercooked.
Secondly, while making the homemade baked beans from scratch does add wholesome flavors, if you’re short on time, canned baked beans are also an excellent option. In such cases, using canned pork and beans instead of plain white beans can add a depth of flavor that’s unmatched.
Thirdly, the addition of bacon can make any dish taste better, including baked beans! I like to add chopped up bacon to my beans before baking them; it gives them a smoky flavor and an added crunch.
Fourthly, don’t skimp on onions and green peppers. These ingredients provide a contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar in this recipe. I personally prefer using yellow onions for added depth and texture.
Fifthly, harissa is a unique ingredient that can be added for a spicy kick. It pairs especially well with baked beans as it provides an added depth of heat without overpowering the sweet flavors.
Lastly, I highly recommend serving these easy southern baked beans with pork ribs or pulled pork for an authentic southern-style meal. And don’t forget to top your beans with some fresh parsley or cilantro for some added freshness.
Follow these tips and your guests will surely appreciate your real southern-style dish!
FAQ
Before concluding this article, let me devote a section to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this recipe for easy Southern Baked Beans. I understand that for many aspiring chefs out there, cooking is no easy feat, and there can be some doubts or queries regarding specific ingredients, measurements, or methods. Therefore, in the following lines, I will try to address some of those inquiries so that you can make this dish with greater confidence and achieve a delectable outcome that leaves your palate satisfied.
What can I add to baked beans to make them taste better?
For this southern-style recipe, we will be using a delicious combination of savory and sweet flavors. Some of the key ingredients we will need are crispy bacon, fresh onions, maple syrup, spicy mustard, beef sausage, rich molasses, tangy ketchup, and zesty cider vinegar. These ingredients will come together to create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So let’s get cooking!
Do you have to soak beans before making baked beans?
For those who can’t wait to satisfy their craving for beans and don’t want to bother with soaking, it’s still possible to cook dry beans without pre-soaking. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this method takes longer than cooking pre-soaked beans. Nonetheless, the outcome will still be deliciously cooked beans.
What goes with Southern baked beans?
I will be sharing some mouth-watering recipes that will make your taste buds jump with joy. These recipes feature some of the classic southern-style dishes that are perfect for any casual get-together or family dinner. You can never go wrong with BBQ ribs, juicy hamburgers, hot dogs, and savory baked ham. For something a little more hearty, I’ll also show you how to make a delicious Shepherd’s Pie or a hearty brisket. And if you’re in the mood for something a little more comforting, then my creamy mac and cheese or tender pulled pork or pulled chicken recipes are sure to hit the spot. So, let’s get cooking!
How can I make cheap baked beans taste better?
For those who prefer their baked beans to have a little bit of sweetness, consider tossing in a touch of brown sugar, honey or some maple syrup. It’s recommended to start with a small amount, about two teaspoons or so, and gauge if you need more from there. Meanwhile, if a bit of heat is what you’re looking for, there are several options to choose from. Sriracha sauce, hot sauce, cayenne pepper or chopped hot pepper can all add a kick to your beans according to your preference.
Should baked beans be covered when baking?
Alright y’all, let’s get those homemade baked beans baking! Grab a 9×13 baking pan and pour in those beautiful beans. Cover it with foil and let it bake for an hour. If you want them nice and thick, let them hang out in the oven for up to 2 hours. Once the time is up, take off the foil and let them bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Don’t be too eager to dig in just yet though, give those beans some time to cool for at least 15 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken up nicely.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this easy Southern baked beans recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal, whether you’re having a backyard barbecue or a cozy family dinner. With simple ingredients like white beans, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, onion, and bacon, you can quickly whip up a delicious and real Southern-inspired dish without any fuss.
Don’t hesitate to make substitutions and variations to fit your tastes or dietary needs. You can add ground beef or pork beans for a heartier meal, or try adding harissa or barbecue sauce for an extra kick of flavor. And if you’ve got leftover baked beans, they are perfect for making chili or reheating as a quick snack.
With these easy instructions and tips, I’m confident that you’ll create the best Southern-style baked beans that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So next time you need a tasty and comforting side dish, give this recipe a try, and your taste buds will thank you!
Easy Southern Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup red pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon harissa
- 1/4 teaspoon Emeril's Original Essence
- 2 (19 ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium high heat, add the bacon and cook until brown. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon. Strain all but 1 tablespoon fat.
- Add chopped onion and slowly cook, stirring in the love until caramelized; app 20 minutes.
- Add the bell peppers. Cook over low heat until cooked.
- Meanwhile mix together brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, Harissa and Emeril’s essence.
- Combine this mixture with the onions, bacon and beans.
- Preheat oven 325*. Spray casserole with Pam; spoon in the bean mixture.
- Place in oven and bake for 45 minutes.