If you're looking to enhance your next gathering with a comforting side dish, baked beans can be a standout choice. You'll find that the versatility of baked beans allows for a variety of flavors, whether you prefer something classic or a bit more adventurous. From the sweet and tangy profile of traditional recipes to the bold spices in a spicy BBQ version, there's a baked bean recipe for everyone. Curious about which ones truly make the top five? Let's investigate these recipes that promise to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Classic Baked Beans
Classic baked beans are a beloved comfort food that perfectly complements barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. This dish features tender beans simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce that balances sweetness and smokiness.
While traditional recipes may require soaking dried beans overnight, this version uses canned beans for convenience without sacrificing taste. Get ready to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal!
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of ketchup
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of molasses
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of bacon, chopped (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the navy beans, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Stir in the chopped onion and bacon if using. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, removing the foil for the last 15 minutes to allow the top to caramelize and develop a lovely crust.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the chopped onion and bacon in a skillet before adding them to the bean mixture.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and add a splash of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. Feel free to experiment with spices and ingredients, such as adding a dash of hot sauce for heat or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for tanginess.
Additionally, these baked beans can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them a great dish for potlucks or meal prep!
Sweet and Smoky Baked Beans
Sweet and Smoky Baked Beans are a comforting and hearty dish that perfectly balances the rich flavors of brown sugar and smoky seasonings. This recipe creates a delightful combination that's ideal as a side for barbecues, picnics, or even as a main dish for vegetarians.
The sweetness from the brown sugar and maple syrup mingles beautifully with the smoky notes from the bacon and spices, making this dish a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté in the bacon fat until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the navy beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onion, brown sugar, maple syrup, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
Extra Tips:
For an even deeper smoky flavor, consider adding a bit of liquid smoke to the mixture or substituting some of the bacon with smoked sausage.
You can also customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup to your liking.
If you're looking to make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a plant-based bacon alternative or smoked paprika for flavor.
For added texture, try mixing in some chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for a kick.
Spicy BBQ Baked Beans
Spicy BBQ Baked Beans are a deliciously hearty side dish that brings a kick of flavor to any meal. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or even a cozy dinner at home, these beans combine the rich sweetness of baked beans with a spicy BBQ twist.
With a blend of spices and a touch of heat, this recipe will enhance your baked bean game and impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of navy or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the drained beans, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
Extra Tips:
For an added layer of flavor, consider incorporating cooked bacon or sausage into the mixture before baking.
You can also experiment with different types of BBQ sauce to suit your taste—smoky, sweet, or even spicy varieties can change the flavor profile appreciably.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, bake the beans uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Don't forget to let the beans sit for a few minutes after removing them from the oven; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
Vegetarian Baked Beans
Vegetarian baked beans are a hearty, comforting dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. Packed with protein and fiber, they aren't only nutritious but also incredibly versatile. This recipe combines the rich flavors of tomatoes, spices, and a hint of sweetness, making it a delicious option for anyone looking to enjoy a meat-free meal.
Whether paired with cornbread or simply enjoyed on their own, these baked beans are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Next, add the rinsed beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Extra Tips:
Feel free to customize your vegetarian baked beans by adding vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for added texture and flavor.
If you prefer a spicier dish, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. For a smoky flavor, you can also add some liquid smoke.
These baked beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors!
Maple Bacon Baked Beans
Maple Bacon Baked Beans are a delightful twist on the traditional baked beans recipe, combining the smoky flavor of crispy bacon with the sweet richness of maple syrup. This dish is perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or as a comforting side for any meal.
The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it's surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you'll have a delicious dish that's sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups canned navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
To make Maple Bacon Baked Beans, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it's crispy, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. In a large mixing bowl, combine the navy beans, cooked bacon, sautéed onions, maple syrup, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Stir until well combined, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to crisp up.
When preparing Maple Bacon Baked Beans, consider using thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and texture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste. Finally, these baked beans can also be made ahead of time; just reheat them in the oven before serving for a convenient and delicious side dish.