Favorite Baked Beans

Our favorite baked beans recipe is the ultimate comfort food! It’s sweet, smoky, and packed with flavor from BBQ sauce, dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and a hint of chipotle. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family dinners, these beans are bound to impress. Their syrupy texture and delightful aroma make them a standout dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a hearty side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of BBQ sauce and spices creates a rich flavor profile that will make your taste buds dance.
• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort and can be made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy them as a side for ribs or burgers, or serve them over rice for a comforting meal.
• Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these beans in advance and simply bake them when ready to serve.
• Freezer Friendly: Leftovers can easily be frozen for future meals without losing their delicious taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to have the right tools. Having everything prepared will ensure smooth sailing while making your favorite baked beans.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast Iron Skillet
• Measuring Spoons
• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for even cooking and perfect for transferring from stovetop to oven.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of spices and sauces for perfect seasoning every time.

Ingredients

Our absolute favorite baked beans recipe! They are syrupy and loaded with flavors of BBQ sauce, dijon, smoked paprika and chipotle. Delish!

For the Base

• 2 slices bacon, (diced)
• 1 small sweet onion, (diced)
• 1 bell pepper, (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves, (minced)

For the Flavor

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

For the Beans

• 2 (22 ounce) cans baked beans (I love Bush’s Grillin’ Beans for this recipe)
• 2 slices bacon, for topping (optional)

How to Make Favorite Baked Beans

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This ensures it’s hot enough when you’re ready to bake your beans.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it becomes brown and crisp. Make sure most of the fat is rendered during this process.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook while stirring often until everything softens—this should take about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Season It Up

Add the smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release those wonderful flavors.

Step 5: Mix in the Sauces

Pour in the apple cider vinegar, BBQ sauce, ketchup, dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Stir until well combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Baked Beans

Add the canned baked beans directly into the mixture. Bring everything to a boil before turning off the heat. Taste here; adjust seasonings as desired. If using extra bacon for topping, lay it on top now!

Step 7: Bake

Place your skillet (or transfer to an oven-safe dish) into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and syrupy. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Step 8: Store Leftovers

You can make these ahead of time by letting them cool to room temperature then covering and refrigerating. Bake again when ready! Plus, these baked beans freeze well too!

How to Serve Favorite Baked Beans

Serving your favorite baked beans can elevate any meal. They are versatile and complement a variety of dishes, making them perfect for gatherings or family dinners.

As a Main Dish

• Pair with rice or quinoa for a hearty vegetarian meal.
• Serve alongside cornbread for a classic Southern feel.

As a Side Dish

• Great with grilled meats such as chicken or ribs.
• Perfect next to burgers at summer barbecues.

In Tacos

• Use as a filling in soft or hard shell tacos topped with cheese and avocado.
• Add to burritos for a smoky flavor boost.

On Toast

• Spread on crusty bread or toast for an easy lunch option.
• Top with a fried egg for added protein.

With Salad

• Serve over mixed greens, drizzled with your favorite dressing.
• Incorporate into a grain salad for added texture.

As Part of a Charcuterie Board

• Include in a selection of cheeses, meats, and crackers.
• Offer alongside pickles and olives for variety.

How to Perfect Favorite Baked Beans

To achieve the best results with your favorite baked beans, consider these handy tips.

• Use quality beans – Opt for high-quality canned beans like Bush’s Grillin’ Beans for better flavor and texture.
• Adjust the sweetness – Taste the mixture before baking and add more brown sugar if you prefer sweeter beans.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add more smoked paprika or chili powder to suit your heat preference.
• Bake longer for depth – Let your beans bake longer than 35 minutes if you want deeper flavors.
• Cool before serving – Allow cooling slightly before serving; this helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Store properly – Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. They also freeze well!

Best Side Dishes for Favorite Baked Beans

Baked beans pair wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Coleslaw – A refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness of the beans; try using a vinegar-based dressing.
2. Cornbread – Moist, sweet cornbread complements baked beans perfectly; serve warm from the oven.
3. Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies add color and nutrition; toss them on the grill while your beans bake.
4. Potato Salad – Creamy potato salad provides a hearty contrast; make sure it’s chilled before serving.
5. Macaroni and Cheese – This cheesy comfort food pairs well; opt for sharp cheddar to enhance flavors.
6. Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes are satisfying; season simply with salt and rosemary for best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your favorite baked beans, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the bacon: Bacon adds essential flavor and richness. Don’t skip it; use diced bacon for the best results.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking the onion and pepper too long can lead to mushy textures. Aim for a soft yet firm consistency.
• Not tasting before baking: Failing to taste your mixture can lead to bland beans. Always sample and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Using low-quality canned beans: Not all canned beans are created equal. Choose high-quality brands like Bush’s Grillin’ Beans for optimal flavor.
• Ignoring storage instructions: Improper storage can spoil your dish. Follow proper guidelines to ensure freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover favorite baked beans in an airtight container.
• item They can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Favorite Baked Beans

• item Place cooled baked beans in freezer-safe containers.
• item They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Favorite Baked Beans

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring between, until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding favorite baked beans:

Can I customize the flavors of my favorite baked beans?

Yes! You can add more spices like cayenne or different types of mustard for extra flavor.

How do I make my favorite baked beans vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for cooking.

What is the best way to serve my favorite baked beans?

Serve them hot alongside grilled meats or as a hearty side dish at BBQs.

Can I double this favorite baked beans recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure you have a large enough pot or baking dish to accommodate the increased volume.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for favorite baked beans is a crowd-pleaser that combines sweet and smoky flavors beautifully. It’s versatile too—feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or toppings. Try these delicious baked beans at your next gathering!