There’s nothing quite like Southern Baked Beans to elevate any barbecue, potluck, or weeknight dinner. Packed with smoky bacon, sweet brown sugar, and a tangy ketchup-mustard mix, these beans are the epitome of comfort food. Whether you bake them in the oven or let them simmer in a slow cooker, this easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for feeding a family or a hungry gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Baked Beans :
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients needed—just pantry staples and fresh bacon.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Easily adapt this dish for the oven, stovetop, or slow cooker.
- Sweet and Smoky Flavors: The combination of bacon, brown sugar, and ketchup creates an irresistible balance of flavors.
- Customizable: Add spices, veggies, or extra meats to make it your own.
Ingredients For Southern Baked Beans :
For the Base:
- 2 (14.5 oz.) cans pork and beans: The foundation of this dish, offering a perfect mix of beans and sauce.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: Brings a caramelized sweetness.
- 1 cup ketchup: Provides tangy richness.
- 8 slices bacon, diced: Infuses the dish with smoky, savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard: Balances the sweetness with tang.
Step-by-Step Instructions :
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 300℉. Grease or prepare a Dutch oven or baking dish for cooking.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a Dutch oven over medium heat, fry the diced bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
3. Sauté the Onions:
In the same Dutch oven with the bacon drippings, sauté the diced onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until translucent. Drain some grease if desired.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the pork and beans, brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard to the pan with the sautéed onions. Stir well to combine.
5. Add Bacon:
Crumble the cooked bacon into the mixture and gently stir.
6. Bake the Beans:
Bake uncovered at 300℉ for 60 minutes. Stir halfway through if desired to ensure even cooking.
Tips for Perfect Southern Baked Beans :
- Don’t Skimp on Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a smoky richness that makes this dish shine.
- Adjust Sweetness: Use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor or less sugar if you prefer it less sweet.
- Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Check the beans occasionally to prevent them from drying out. Add a splash of water if needed.
Variations & Substitutions:
1. Meat Additions:
- Smoked Sausage: Slice and mix in for extra protein.
- Ground Beef: Brown and mix in for a heartier dish.
2. Sweetness Adjustments:
- Molasses: Add 1-2 tablespoons for a richer sweetness.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: For a natural, slightly floral sweetness.
3. Flavor Boosters:
- BBQ Beans: Substitute half the ketchup with barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Spicy Beans: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
4. Veggie Add-Ins:
- Bell Peppers: Dice and sauté with the onions for added texture.
- Carrots: Finely grated for subtle sweetness.
Serving Suggestions :
Pair Southern Baked Beans with these classic dishes for a complete meal:
- Grilled Meats: BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or smoked brisket.
- Fresh Sides: Coleslaw, cornbread, or a crisp garden salad.
- Starchy Favorites: Mac and cheese or mashed potatoes.
Storage and Leftovers :
Refrigerator:
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezer:
Cool beans completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips:
- Stovetop: Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if needed.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between bursts.
- Oven: Reheat at 300℉ until warmed through.
FAQs :
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the beans and refrigerate them before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
2. Can I use homemade beans instead of canned?
Absolutely! Cooked navy beans or pinto beans work well—just add a bit of liquid to mimic the canned sauce.
3. What’s the best type of bacon for baked beans?
Thick-cut smoked bacon adds the most flavor, but any bacon will work in a pinch.
4. How can I make this vegetarian?
Replace the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor profile, and use vegetarian baked beans.
5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Follow the instructions in the “Slow Cooker Method” section for perfectly tender beans.
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Southern Baked Beans
Southern Baked Beans are the ultimate comfort food! Made with pork and beans, crispy bacon, and sweet brown sugar, this easy recipe is perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- - 2 (14.5 oz.) cans pork and beans
- - 1 medium onion, diced
- - ½ cup light brown sugar
- - 1 cup ketchup
- - 8 slices bacon, diced
- - 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 300℉.
2. Fry bacon in a Dutch oven until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Sauté onions in bacon grease until translucent.
4. Add beans, brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard to the onions. Crumble bacon into the mixture and stir.
5. Bake uncovered for 60 minutes, stirring halfway through. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers for extra texture.