Baked beans are a beloved dish enjoyed by many across the world. Whether you’re having them as a side at a barbecue, serving them up as part of a hearty breakfast, or simply enjoying them on their own, baked beans are versatile and delicious. While you can easily purchase canned baked beans, making them from scratch can be incredibly rewarding. Not only can you control the ingredients and flavors, but homemade baked beans often taste richer and more robust. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a detailed recipe to make baked beans from scratch, ensuring you get a dish that’s full of flavor and cooked to perfection.
Ingredients for Homemade Baked Beans
To create delicious homemade baked beans, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound (about 2 cups) of dried navy beans
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- 1/2 cup of molasses
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 4 cups of water (or enough to cover the beans)
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
How to Make Homemade Baked Beans
1. Preparing the Beans
Start by soaking the navy beans. Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with plenty of water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This will help soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
2. Cooking the Beans
After soaking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly. Transfer them to a large pot and add enough fresh water to cover them by about an inch. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the beans until they are tender but not falling apart, about 45 minutes to an hour. Drain the beans and set them aside.
3. Preparing the Sauce
While the beans are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground cloves. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combining Beans and Sauce
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, combine the cooked beans, the bacon, and the sauce. Add 4 cups of water (or enough to cover the beans) and the apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together until the beans are well-coated with the sauce.
5. Baking the Beans
Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the beans for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the beans start to look too dry, add a bit more water. After 2 hours, remove the lid and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the beans to develop a nice, caramelized top.
6. Serving
Once the beans are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These homemade baked beans can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature. They make an excellent side dish for grilled meats, a hearty addition to breakfast, or a delicious standalone meal.
About the Main Ingredients
Navy Beans
Navy beans are small, white beans that are creamy and mild in flavor. They are a popular choice for baked beans because they hold their shape well during long cooking times. Navy beans are also a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious base for this dish.
Molasses
Molasses is a thick, dark syrup that is a byproduct of the sugar-making process. It adds a rich, deep sweetness to the baked beans and helps to create the dish’s signature flavor. Molasses is also a source of essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Bacon
Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to the baked beans, as well as a bit of fat that enhances the overall richness of the dish. Using bacon also adds a bit of texture and a salty contrast to the sweetness of the molasses and brown sugar.
Onion
Onions provide a base of savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the other ingredients. When cooked until soft and translucent, onions add a depth of flavor that is essential to the overall taste of the baked beans.
Spices and Seasonings
The combination of Dijon mustard, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and ground cloves adds complexity and warmth to the baked beans. These spices and seasonings help to balance the sweetness and create a more nuanced flavor profile.
Making baked beans from scratch is a labor of love that yields incredibly flavorful results. By taking the time to prepare your own sauce and slow-cook the beans, you can create a dish that is far superior to any canned version. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them as a comfort food at home, homemade baked beans are sure to impress. Follow this recipe, and you’ll have a delicious pot of baked beans that showcase the rich, hearty flavors of this classic dish.
