Welcome to the definitive guide for crafting the most incredible Baked Beans you’ll ever taste! Forget bland, forget boring – this recipe promises an easy-to-make, utterly delicious side dish that will elevate any cookout, BBQ, potluck, or family meal. Prepare for rave reviews and endless requests for the recipe!
The Best Homemade Southern Baked Beans: A Classic BBQ Side Dish
For years, I’ve been perfecting this baked bean recipe, first sharing it back in 2011, and it has remained my unwavering favorite. It’s the dish everyone asks me to bring to gatherings, and for good reason. What truly sets these Southern Baked Beans apart is their rich, thick, and deeply flavorful sauce, infused with an irresistible smoky bacon essence. Despite their gourmet taste, they’re surprisingly simple to prepare, making them a go-to for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike. I guarantee that once your friends and family try these, they’ll be begging for the recipe!
Why This Baked Beans Recipe Is a Must-Try
There’s a reason baked beans are a staple at any American barbecue or picnic. They offer a comforting, hearty, and sweet-and-savory contrast to grilled meats and fresh salads. But not all baked beans are created equal. Many recipes fall short, resulting in watery sauces or an imbalance of flavors. This recipe, however, achieves that coveted thick, luxurious sauce that clings to every bean, delivering a complex profile that sings of smoky bacon, tangy ketchup, sweet maple syrup, and deep molasses. It’s a harmonious blend that creates an unforgettable side dish, making it far superior to any store-bought alternative.
What truly makes these beans special is the thoughtful combination of ingredients and cooking technique. Starting with fresh bacon rendered down to create flavorful drippings, and sautéing onions in that savory fat lays a foundational depth that canned beans alone simply cannot provide. The balance of sweetness from brown sugar, maple syrup, and molasses, combined with the acidity of ketchup and a subtle hint of mustard, creates a multi-layered taste sensation. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Baked Beans
Absolutely! These baked beans are an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare them up to 3 days in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven until warmed through and bubbly. They often taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
The consistency of your baked beans largely depends on cooking time. For a thicker, richer sauce, simply continue to cook the beans after removing the aluminum foil. Stir them occasionally and allow them to bake uncovered for an additional 20-45 minutes, or until they reach your desired density. The longer they cook, the more the sauce reduces and thickens.
These beans are wonderfully versatile! To make them a heartier main course or extend their servings, try adding some cooked ground beef, ground pork, or ground turkey during the mixing stage. For a nostalgic touch, slice up some hot dogs or kielbasa and stir them in. If you crave a bit of heat, sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick. Experiment with a dash of liquid smoke for an even deeper BBQ flavor profile!
Yes, you certainly can! While this recipe focuses on oven baking for a classic caramelization, baked beans adapt beautifully to a slow cooker. You can find specific instructions for a similar recipe on my Crock Pot Baked Beans page. The slow cooker offers a hands-off approach, perfect for busy days.
Absolutely! Baked beans freeze exceptionally well. Once they have cooled completely to room temperature, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the oven or on the stovetop.
Ensure any leftover baked beans cool down completely to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate them promptly for up to 5 days. For best quality and safety, avoid leaving them out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Southern Baked Beans
The magic of these baked beans lies in a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that signature rich, sweet, and smoky flavor. It’s a simple list, but the quality and preparation of each component make all the difference.
- Fresh Bacon: This isn’t just for a garnish; it’s the foundation of flavor! It’s crucial to fry fresh bacon and not use pre-cooked varieties. We need that rendered bacon grease (or “bacon drippings”) to sauté the onions, infusing the entire dish with a deep, savory, smoky essence.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds an aromatic sweetness and savory depth to the beans. If you’re not an onion fan, you can certainly omit it, but it truly enhances the overall flavor profile without being overtly noticeable in the final dish.
- Canned Pork & Beans: This recipe calls for 48 ounces total of canned pork and beans. These provide the convenient base for our dish, offering a creamy texture and mild bean flavor that readily absorbs all the delicious sauce ingredients. Whether you find larger 16-ounce cans or smaller 8-ounce ones, just ensure you hit the 48-ounce mark.
- Mustard: Don’t worry, these beans won’t taste like mustard! Its role is purely as a flavor enhancer, adding a subtle tang and complexity that brightens the other ingredients and prevents the sauce from becoming cloyingly sweet. Both yellow and Dijon mustard work beautifully.
- Maple Syrup: Use good quality maple syrup (real or corn syrup-based, both perform well) for a distinct, rich sweetness that is quintessential to classic baked beans. It contributes a lovely caramel note that brown sugar alone can’t achieve.
- Ketchup: For me, it’s always Heinz, but feel free to use your favorite brand! Ketchup provides the essential tanginess, color, and a little body to the sauce, balancing the sweetness and adding that classic BBQ undertone.
- Molasses: This is a secret weapon for unparalleled depth of flavor. Molasses provides a dark, robust, slightly bitter-sweet taste that truly elevates these beans beyond ordinary. It’s what gives them that authentic, slow-cooked, old-fashioned appeal.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of brown sugar (light or dark, I prefer light for a slightly milder caramel note) adds another layer of sweetness and helps achieve that beautiful, glossy finish on the sauce. It works in conjunction with the maple syrup and molasses for a perfectly balanced sweetness.
Crafting Your Own Best Homemade Baked Beans: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a batch of baked beans that will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. The process is straightforward, yielding incredibly flavorful results.
Preparation & Sautéing
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is ready to go once your bean mixture is assembled.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan or skillet, fry 1/2 pound of fresh bacon until it’s wonderfully crispy. This step is crucial for rendering out that flavorful bacon grease. Once crispy, remove the bacon, drain it on a paper towel-lined plate, and then crumble it into small pieces.
- Carefully pour off most of the bacon grease, reserving about 1/4 cup in the pan. This precious fat will serve as the flavorful base for our onions. If your bacon didn’t produce enough grease, simply add a little extra cooking oil (like vegetable or canola oil) to reach the 1/4 cup mark.
- Finely chop one medium onion. Add the chopped onion to the reserved bacon drippings in the pan and sauté over medium heat. Cook the onions until they become translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes. This softens their flavor and integrates them seamlessly into the sauce.
Combining & Baking
- Once the onions are cooked, add all the remaining ingredients directly into the pan with the onions and bacon drippings. This includes the 3 (16-ounce) cans of undrained pork and beans, 3 tablespoons of mustard, 3/4 cup of maple syrup, 2/3 cup of ketchup, 1/3 cup of molasses, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to add the cooked and crumbled bacon back into the mixture at this stage.
- Stir everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the beans are evenly coated in the rich, developing sauce.
- Carefully pour the entire bean mixture into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in your preheated oven for approximately one hour. Baking covered initially helps the beans simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the beans to become tender without drying out. You’ll know they’re ready when they are brown and visibly bubbly around the edges.
Finishing Touches & Serving
- If you prefer your baked beans with a thicker, less saucy consistency, remove the aluminum foil after the initial hour of baking. Continue to bake uncovered for another 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you bake them uncovered, the more the sauce will reduce and thicken, concentrating the flavors even further. Keep an eye on them to achieve your desired thickness.
- Give the beans one final stir before serving to redistribute the sauce and ensure every scoop is bursting with flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the incredible taste of your homemade Southern Baked Beans!
Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Baked Beans
These homemade Southern Baked Beans are more than just a side dish; they’re a star attraction that complements a wide array of meals. They are the quintessential partner for any grilled meat, from juicy steaks and tender pulled pork to smoky ribs and flavorful BBQ chicken. Imagine a plate piled high with perfectly grilled brisket, a generous helping of these beans, and a side of creamy coleslaw or a crisp green salad – pure culinary bliss!
Beyond the classic barbecue, these beans are fantastic with simple weeknight dinners. Pair them with hot dogs, hamburgers, or even roasted chicken for an elevated, comforting meal. Don’t forget a slice of warm cornbread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. They also make an impressive addition to holiday spreads, potlucks, and picnics, always earning compliments and disappearing quickly!
Craving More Hearty Recipes and BBQ Favorites?
If you loved these Baked Beans, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delicious and comforting recipes perfect for any occasion:
- Crock Pot Baked Beans
- Sausage Baked Beans
- Beanie Weenie Casserole
- Calico Baked Beans
- Root Beer Baked Beans
- Beef and Bean Cowboy Casserole
- Crock Pot Beans and Ham
- Appalachian Soup Beans
- Red Beans and Rice
- Black Eyed Peas Recipe
- Best Grilled Ribs
- Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Grilled BBQ Chicken
- Grilled Steak Marinade
Originally published: February 2011
Updated photos & republished: March 2024
Homemade Baked Beans (+Video)
★
★
★
★
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
10
minutes
45
minutes
55
minutes
10
servings
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- ½ pound bacon
- 1 medium onion
- 3 (16 ounce) cans pork and beans, undrained or 8 (6 ounce) cans
- 3 Tablespoons mustard (yellow or dijon)
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- ⅔ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup molasses
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large frying pan, fry ½ pound bacon until crispy, drain on a paper towel then crumble the bacon. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the bacon grease in the pan.
- Finely chop 1 medium onion and sauté over medium heat in the bacon drippings until onion is clear. If your bacon didn’t produce enough grease, just add a little oil to your pan if necessary.
- Then add in 3 (16 ounce) cans pork and beans, undrained, 3 Tablespoons mustard, ¾ cup maple syrup, 2/3 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup molasses, 1/4 cup brown sugar and salt and pepper, to taste and crumbled bacon and stir.
- Pour bean mixture into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake covered (with aluminum foil) for about an hour (until brown and bubbly).
- If you like your beans to be a little less sauce-y, take the aluminum foil off and bake for about another 20-30 minutes (stirring the beans occasionally.) The longer it cooks, the thicker it gets. So if you want them thicker, just let them continue to cook for longer.
- Stir again before serving.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) and ingredient list sections above for other substitutions, variations, or answers to common questions about this recipe.
Side Dish
American
Nutrition
Calories:
238
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
35
g
|
Protein:
3
g
|
Fat:
9
g
|
Sodium:
355
mg
|
Sugar:
32
g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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