Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth baked beans infused with a delightful blend of tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors.
These soul-warming baked beans make the perfect side dish for any occasion, be it a family reunion, a summer cockpit, or a weekday dinner that deserves a touch of southern hospitality.
Easy to make, baked beans only require a few basic ingredients that you can find in any store near you.
Along with beans and sauces, bacon is added to the mix to give the baked beans a crispy bite with the dish’s chewy consistency.
Easy and Savory Southern Delight
Southern baked beans are the better and bolder big sister of British pig beans. While British baked beans are commonly known as a breakfast staple, featuring a translucent sauce, the southern version takes it to a new level.
Packed with big, old-fashioned Southern flavors, these baked beans become a traditional Southern feast. A combination of carefully selected ingredients and slow cooking ensures that each spoonful bursts with the authentic essence of Southern comfort food.
The source of Southern baked beans is a glossy, compelling blend that beautifully balances sweetness with savory undertones. Its rich and robust taste stands out, making it a standout dish on a table full of food.
So, if you are ready to elevate your barbecue or feast to new heights, don’t forget to include this flavor-packed dish that will leave your guests craving more.
Requirements for Making Southern Baked Beans
In less than 10 minutes, you can effortlessly gather the belief at the store, then pop them into the oven, and the magic happens value relax. Sajan beat beans and out early fall into lower food, higher award recipes.
With affordable ingredients likely already stocked in your kitchen, this dish is both budget-friendly and indulgently satisfying, offering a decadent and film treat without breaking the bank.
Ingredients Required
Ingredients | Quantity |
Bacon, Chopped | 4 Slices |
Yellow Onion, Chopped | ⅓ Cup |
2 Cans | |
½ Cup | |
1 Tablespoon | |
1 Tablespoon | |
1 Tablespoon |
- Bacon: While the class of pork bacon is preferable for this recipe, you can use Turkey or any other plant-based alternative, whatever aligns better with your dietary requirements.
- Onion: Opt for a yellow onion; its natural sweetness perfectly complements the other ingredients in the dish.
- Baked Beans: Feel free to use your favorite brand. Bush’s original baked beans are used in this recipe.
- BBQ Sauce: Any brand of your liking will work. Use your favorite BBQ sauce to ensure the result matches your taste preferences.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This ingredient is a delectably savory tangy twist to the baked beans.
- Yellow Mustard: If you prefer a bit of spiciness, you can opt for this John mustard instead.
- Brown Sugar: Be mindful not to go overboard with the brown sugar since the beans are already somewhat sweet. Feel free to skip this step entirely if you prefer your baked beans to be less sweet.
Tools Required
| Skillet | Casserole Pan |
| Wooden Spoon | Knife |
How to Make Southern Baked Beans
Southern baked beans come together with remarkable speed and simplicity. The most challenging part lies in sauteing the onions and bacon, but fear not, as the oven will take care of the rest of the cooking process.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheating the oven allows it to reach the desired temperature before you place the dish inside. This ensures that the baked beans will cook evenly right from the start, preventing uneven cooking and producing consistent results. For your southern bakest beans, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Onions
In a 5-quart Dutch oven set over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s halfway done. Next, add the onions and continue cooking until the bacon turns crispy and the onions become translucent, which should take about seven minutes. Once done, remove the Dutch oven from the heat.
Step 3: Add the Rest of the Ingredients
Now, it is time to combine the magic ingredients. Add the baked beans, BBQ sauce, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to the Dutch oven. Give everything a good stir until it is all well combined.
Step 4: Pop it In!
Next, pop the Dutch oven into the preheated oven, leaving it uncovered, and bake for 40 minutes. Alternatively, transfer the bean mixture into a sprayed 9×13 casserole pan and bake for 30 minutes. If you opt for the 9×13 pan, remember to check the beans after 30 minutes, as they will cook faster due to the wider spread.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the beans are perfectly baked, rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Now, sit back and savor the delightful flavors of your homemade Southern baked beans. The oven did most of the work to enjoy a quick, easy, and delicious dish with minimal effort.
Key Elements to Keep in Mind While Cooking Baked Beans
- Using a Dutch oven makes these baked beans a convenient one-pot recipe. You can sort the onions and bacon in the Dutch oven before baking the beans in the same pot. However, if you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can use a regular skillet to cook the onions and bacon, then transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish, such as a 9×13, for baking.
- For those who enjoy extra crispy bacon in their baked beans, it’s suggested to double the amount of bacon. Add half of the bacon before baking and save the other half to stir before serving. This way, you can enjoy an abundance of bacon flavor and delightful crispiness.
- After baking, it’s essential to let the baked beans rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Allowing this resting period helps the sauce thicken to the perfect consistency, preventing the beans from being too soupy if served immediately. The brief wait ensures a delectable and well-balanced dish.
Storage Tips for Baked Beans
Once your pet beans are at par with room temperature, transfer them into any food storage container and place them in the fridge. When stored correctly, these leftovers should maintain their freshness for up to 3 days; the good news is that reading them in the microwave is a breeze and will still yield delicious results.
You can also freeze the baked beans once they have completely cooked down. Carefully transfer them into freezer-safe bags or containers. These beans will remain at their best in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To enjoy them again, allow the beans to thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat them on the stovetop for a delightful meal that will bring back all the flavors of the original dish.
Takeaway
Ditch those canned baked beans and embrace the magic of creating your Southern masterpiece. This recipe proves that with a little love and creativity, you can transform ordinary ingredients into a sensational side dish everyone will crave.
From the sweet and savory sauce to the irresistible bacon-infused goodness, these baked beans are a testament to the joy of homemade comfort food.
The beauty of this homemade Southern baked beans recipe lies not only in its taste but also in its versatility.
While they are a delightful addition to any BBQ or Southern feast, they shine as a stand-alone comfort dish, warming your heart and soul on cozy evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Leave Baked Beans at Room Temperature?
While baked beans can be left at room temperature for a short period, it’s essential to exercise caution. Leaving them out for more than 2 hours can lead to bacterial growth and food safety concerns. To ensure their freshness and avoid potential health risks, it’s best to refrigerate any leftover baked beans promptly.
Are Baked Beans Healthy?
In terms of nutrition, baked beans offer a good source of protein due to the beans themselves. However, this dish may not be the most nutritious choice due to the presence of ingredients like bacon and sugar.
