Baked Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Beans are a hearty, sweet, and savory side dish made with tender beans simmered in a rich sauce of brown sugar, molasses, and smoky bacon. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or comfort food dinners, this classic recipe delivers deep, slow-cooked flavor with every spoonful.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

canned navy beans (or great northern beans)bacon (chopped)yellow onion (diced)garlic (minced)ketchupbrown sugarmolassesspicy brown mustardapple cider vinegarWorcestershire sauceblack pepper

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

In the same skillet with bacon fat, sauté the diced onion until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the beans (drained), cooked bacon, sautéed onions and garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Mix well.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and thickened.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Use maple syrup instead of molasses for a lighter sweetness.
Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Stir in chopped cooked sausage or ground beef for a heartier version.
Top with cheddar cheese during the final minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.

storage/reheating

Store baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use dried beans?

Yes, soak and cook them first before using in the recipe.

Are baked beans sweet?

They have a balanced sweet and savory flavor, mainly from brown sugar and molasses.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, omit the bacon and sauté onions in olive oil or butter.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, they reheat well and taste even better the next day.

What beans work best?

Navy beans are traditional, but pinto or great northern beans also work well.

Can I use store-bought baked beans?

You can, but this homemade version offers more control over flavor.

What if I don’t have molasses?

Substitute with dark corn syrup or maple syrup for similar results.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

How do I thicken baked beans?

Remove the foil during the last part of baking, or simmer on the stove until reduced.

Are baked beans gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels on mustard and Worcestershire sauce.

Conclusion

Baked Beans are a timeless side dish that brings smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors to the table. Whether served at a backyard BBQ or alongside comfort classics, they’re a guaranteed hit that’s easy to make and even easier to love.

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