World’s Best Baked Beans
Why make this recipe
Baked beans are a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed on many occasions. This recipe for the World’s Best Baked Beans is a simple yet delicious dish that will impress family and friends. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and perfect for barbecues, picnics, or a cozy meal at home. Making your own baked beans is easy and allows you to customize the taste to your liking.
How to make World’s Best Baked Beans
Making these baked beans is straightforward. With just a few steps, you will have a scrumptious dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 3 cans (15 oz each) navy beans or great northern beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup ketchup or 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or hot sauce (optional, add to taste)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained beans, cooked onion and garlic, brown sugar, molasses, ketchup (or tomato paste), yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika (or liquid smoke), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the bean mixture into a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
- If desired, drizzle with maple syrup or hot sauce before serving.
How to serve World’s Best Baked Beans
These baked beans are a versatile dish. You can serve them as a main course or a side dish. They pair well with grilled meats, burgers, or simply enjoyed by themselves. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and flavor before serving.
How to store World’s Best Baked Beans
If you have leftovers, cool the baked beans completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to let them cool before freezing, and store them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Tips to make World’s Best Baked Beans
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar or molasses to suit your taste.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the beans bake uncovered for a longer time.
- Experiment with different types of beans for unique flavors.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding bacon, cooked ground beef, or vegetables like bell peppers and carrots for an extra twist. Try adding different spices or herbs to create your own signature version.
FAQs
Q: Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?
A: Yes, you can use dried beans, but you’ll need to soak and cook them before adding them to the recipe.
Q: Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes! Ensure that you use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and skip any optional meat additions.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the beans a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them before serving.
World’s Best Baked Beans
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained beans, cooked onion and garlic, brown sugar, molasses, ketchup (or tomato paste), yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika (or liquid smoke), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the bean mixture into a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and slightly caramelized on top.
- If desired, drizzle with maple syrup or hot sauce before serving.
Notes
