Ah yes 😏 — baked beans! Sweet, savory, smoky, and perfect as a side for breakfasts, barbecues, or even with a baked potato. Here’s a solid way to make them from scratch or jazz up canned beans.
Classic Baked Beans
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) navy or haricot beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup ketchup or tomato sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp molasses (optional, for deep flavor)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: 3–4 slices bacon, chopped, for extra flavor
Instructions
- Cook aromatics
- In a medium pot, sauté onion (and bacon, if using) over medium heat until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add beans & sauce
- Stir in beans, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and paprika.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer
- Reduce heat to low and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.
- Serve
- Hot as a side for breakfast (eggs, toast), with grilled sausages, baked potatoes, or even with BBQ meats.
💡 Tips for Perfect Baked Beans
- For extra depth: simmer longer or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 min.
- Vegetarian version: skip bacon, add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.
- Sweetness level: adjust brown sugar or molasses to taste — some like it sweeter, some more savory.
If you want, I can give a “restaurant-style smoky baked beans” recipe with bacon, caramelized onions, and a sticky-sweet glaze that’s finger-licking good 😏.
Do you want me to do that?
