Delicious and Easy Baked Beans Recipe
Welcome to my southern-style baked beans recipe! As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, I’ve been making these baked beans for years and can confidently say that they are the best around. This classic southern side dish is perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to serve up some delicious comfort food.
My easy southern baked beans recipe is made with a variety of ingredients that work together to create a flavor explosion in your mouth. The combination of canned pork and pinto beans, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, and bacon makes for a savory and sweet taste that is sure to leave your guests wanting more.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy these southern-style baked beans on their own as a side dish, or you can get creative and use them as an ingredient in other dishes like chili or nachos. And with some simple substitutions, you can even make this recipe vegan or vegetarian-friendly.
So whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s the perfect addition to any meal and will quickly become a staple at your gatherings. Get ready to impress your friends and family with the best southern baked beans they’ve ever tasted.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for the perfect recipe to impress your family and friends at your next barbecue or potluck? Look no further than this southern-style baked beans recipe!
What sets this recipe apart from other baked bean recipes is its unique blend of tangy and sweet flavors. The combination of apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar creates a complex balance that explodes on your taste buds.
But don’t just take my word for it – this recipe has been tried and tested by countless satisfied customers. The blend of bacon, onion, and green bell pepper provides a savory base for the beans, while the addition of barbecue sauce gives it that classic southern flavor.
Plus, this recipe is easy to make with ingredients that are readily available at any grocery store. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of substitution options to make it your own – try adding ground beef or pinto beans for a twist on the classic recipe.
So if you want to impress your guests with a delicious and unique side dish that will have them coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds), try out this southern-style baked beans recipe. You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Ingredients – (this recipe serves 6 to 8 people)
Here are the ingredients you will need to make these Southern-Style Baked Beans that are perfect for any BBQ party. This recipe calls for a variety of beans and ingredients that will make your taste buds sing.
| Ingredients | Amount |
| ———————–| —————————————-:|
| Canned Pork Beans | 1 can, 16 oz. |
| Canned Pinto Beans | 1 can, 15 oz. |
| Canned Red Kidney Beans | 1 can, 15 oz. |
| Bacon | 8 slices, chopped |
| Yellow Onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Green Bell Pepper | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Ketchup | 1/2 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| BBQ Sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Distilled Vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Dry Mustard | 1 tsp |
Optional
If you want to add a little bit more flavor to this recipe, you can try adding some ground beef to it. You would only need about half a pound of beef for this recipe.
You can substitute some of the beans in this recipe with other canned beans like southern pinto beans or even red beans if you prefer them over the mentioned choices.
The Recipe How-To
This is where the magic begins! You’re going to love how easy and straightforward this recipe is. Get ready to create a mouth-watering dish with minimum effort. Now, let’s dive in and get started on baking these Southern-style baked beans.
Preparation
Before we begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). We’ll also need a good oven-proof pot with a lid that can hold about 6 cups of liquid. I highly recommend using a Dutch oven for best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by cooking 8 slices of bacon in your pot over medium heat until they’re crispy but not burnt.
- Then, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside. Keep the grease in the pot.
- Add 1 chopped onion, 1 diced green bell pepper and 4 cloves minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they turn golden brown and are fragrant.
- To this mixture, add 2 cans (28 oz each) of pork and beans, 2 cups ketchup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp dry mustard, and 1/4 cup barbecue sauce.
- Mix everything well until it’s evenly combined.
- Slice the cooked bacon into small pieces and add them back into the pot.
- Stir everything together again to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cover the pot with its lid and bake it for around 45 minutes until it’s heated through properly.
Serving
Once you remove your Southern-style baked beans from the oven, let them cool for around 5 minutes before serving hot alongside some freshly baked cornbread or as a side dish with your favorite grilled meats. Trust me; you’ll love it either way!
Now that you have a basic idea of what’s required to create this classic Southern dish, don’t be afraid to try some variations to suit your taste buds. Enjoy your meal!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you feeling adventurous and want to try some exciting twists on the classic Southern Baked Beans recipe? Look no further! Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
1. Pinto or Red Beans: Though the original recipe calls for canned pork and beans, feel free to swap them out for pinto or red kidney beans for a delicious variation. You can also use a combination of all three types of beans for added texture.
2. Ground Beef: If you’re a meat lover, try adding ground beef to the recipe to give it that extra oomph. Brown the beef in a skillet with diced onions and garlic, then mix it in with the baked beans ingredients before baking.
3. BBQ Sauce: For an added layer of smoky flavor, mix in a few tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce into the recipe. It’s a small but powerful addition that takes this classic dish to new heights.
4. Bacon Variations: While traditional bacon is always delicious, experiment with different types of bacon such as thick-cut, applewood smoked, or even turkey bacon for a healthier option.
5. Bell Peppers: Adding green bell pepper is a staple in Southern-style cuisine but why not try using chopped yellow or red bell peppers instead. These crisp peppers add an extra burst of sweetness and color to the dish.
Whatever substitutions or variations you choose, remember that the key ingredient in this recipe is love and passion for Southern-style cuisine. Go ahead and create your own version while still holding onto that classic southern charm!
Serving and Pairing
Nothing beats the comfort of home-cooked Southern-style cuisine, and these Southern Baked Beans are no exception! These beans make for the perfect side dish to pair with your favorite BBQ chicken or pork ribs.
The savory and sweet blend of flavors in this recipe perfectly complements a rich main course. The beans have a depth of flavor that’s enhanced by the smoky aroma of bacon and the tangy taste of apple cider vinegar. And let’s not forget, the molasses-like sweetness that comes from the brown sugar adds to this dish’s uniqueness.
It is always important to remember that Southern Baked Beans are meant to complement your main course, not steal their spotlight. That said, make sure you plan your portions as they tend to be filling when consumed in large amounts. It’s best to serve a small cupful of these delicious beans on the side rather than serving too much.
When it comes down to pairing this dish, I would highly recommend going with barbeque chicken, pork ribs, or even some grilled meat. The sweetness in the dish complements a rich main course quite well. A crispy roasted potato salad or coleslaw could also serve as a perfect match since it gives off an acidic kick.
Overall, no matter what you choose to pair these Southern Baked Beans with, they will surely be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy chef, I understand the importance of having meals prepared ahead of time. The Southern-Style Baked Beans recipe allows you to do just that. You can easily make these beans a day or two before your event and store them in the refrigerator, freeing up valuable oven space for other dishes.
When it comes to reheating, it’s best to reheat slowly over low heat on the stovetop or in the oven at 350°F. Avoid microwaving the beans as they can become mushy and lose their texture.
If you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They can also be frozen in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
To serve again, simply thaw out the beans completely and reheat using one of the aforementioned methods. If the beans have thickened up after storage, feel free to add additional liquid (such as chicken broth or water) to achieve your desired consistency.
With this recipe being so versatile, there’s no need to stress about last-minute preparations. You can make baked beans ahead of time, store them properly, reheat them easily and still wow your guests with great southern-style flavor!
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing Southern-Style Baked Beans can be a bit tricky, but with attention to the details, you will end up with a delicious, crispy, and flavorful dish that your guests will love. Here are some tips to help you get perfect results every time.
1. Soak or Simmer the Beans
It is essential to pre-soak or simmer the beans before cooking them. This will ensure that they cook evenly and absorb all of the flavors. Soaking helps reduce the cooking time and break down indigestible sugars, making it easier for your body to digest them.
2. Use a Variety of Beans
For best results, use a mixture of different beans such as pinto, red kidney beans, and canned beans. This will add more flavor, texture, and color to your dish.
3. Experiment with Different Sauces
Southern-style baked beans are all about experimenting with different sauces such as barbecue sauce, yellow mustard or Dijon mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar or distilled vinegar or both, brown sugar or white sugar or both. Each sauce has its unique flavor that can enhance the taste of your baked beans like never before.
4. Be Careful When Adding Salt and Sugar
Before adding salt to your baked beans recipe test it to see if your ingredients already have excessive salt in them because adding additional salt may ruin everything by making it too salty. The same goes for sugar; add some brown sugar as required only after tasting and checking beforehand how much sweetness it already has in it.
5. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) approximately five minutes before placing the baking dish inside it. This will ensure that the temperature is consistent throughout the entire cooking process.
6. Add Bacon towards the End
If you prefer crispy bacon in your baked beans recipe, then it is best to add towards the end rather than mixing with other ingredients because otherwise, the fat will make everything greasy and spoil the taste.
By following these tips, you can prepare delicious, crispy, and flavorful Southern-Style Baked Beans that will leave your guests craving for more. It’s all about experimenting with ingredients and mastering the technique to achieve perfection every time.
FAQ
Before we wrap up this southern-style baked beans recipe article, let’s discuss some frequently asked questions. Southern-style baked beans are a classic dish, and everyone seems to have their own take on them. Here in the FAQ section, I’ll address some of the most common queries and give you my personal answers based on years of experience cooking and perfecting this dish. So, let’s get to it!
How do you make baked beans taste better?
For this recipe, we’ll be using some key ingredients to make a mouthwatering southern-style sauce. The sauce will include savory bacon, flavorful onion, sweet molasses, tangy mustard, tasty Worcestershire, rich brown sugar, and a hint of tartness from apple cider vinegar (optional). It’s important to note that yellow mustard can be substituted for spicy brown mustard if needed. With these ingredients in mind, let’s dive into the recipe steps!
What goes with Southern baked beans?
This recipe article features some mouth-watering southern-style dishes that will have you drooling in anticipation. We will cover how to make delicious BBQ ribs, creamy mac and cheese, juicy hot dogs and hamburgers, savory pulled pork or pulled chicken, hearty Shepherd’s Pie, succulent baked ham, and tender brisket. Get your apron on and let’s get started!
Why do people put vinegar in baked beans?
When cooking beans, it’s best to wait until they are almost tender before adding a dash of apple cider vinegar and a few teaspoons of salt. The vinegar not only aids in digestion by breaking down sugars, but also enhances the flavor of the beans, allowing for less salt usage.
Do you have to soak beans before making baked beans?
For those who can’t wait to feast on some delicious beans and prefer to skip the soaking process, it is possible to cook dry beans right away. However, it’s important to keep in mind that un-soaked beans will require more time to cook. Nonetheless, it’s feasible to prepare a mouthwatering bean dish without any prior soaking.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this southern-style baked beans recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or barbecue. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes these beans the perfect addition to any meal. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions, this recipe is perfect for even beginner chefs.
Whether you’re making these beans for a family dinner or a backyard cookout, everyone will appreciate the classic southern flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations, like adding diced jalapeños for some extra heat or using different types of canned beans.
Remember, the key to the best southern-style baked beans is to let them cook low and slow in the oven so that they become perfectly tender and all of those delicious flavors meld together. So preheat your oven to 350°F, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you for it.
Southern-Style Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon, cut in 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 3 (28 ounce) cans pork and beans
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup distilled vinegar or 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard or 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position. Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a large pan, fry bacon until it is partially cooked and you have about 1/4 cup of drippings. Remove bacon from pan and drain on paper towels.
- Add onion and bell pepper to drippings in pan and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add beans, bacon and remaining ingredients; bring to a simmer. (If there's not enough room in the pan, add beans and heat to a simmer; transfer to a large bowl and stir in remaining ingredients).
- Pour flavored beans into a greased 9-by-13-inch (or similar size) oven-proof pan (a large, wide casserole allows the beans to thicken nicely). Bake, uncovered, until the beans are bubbly and the sauce is the consistency of pancake syrup, about 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the "juiciness" of the brand of beans you use.
- Let stand to thicken slightly. Serve warm.