Sunday afternoon, the smell of wood smoke drifting from the grill, laughter bubbling up from the backyard, and the star of the show, a bubbling crockpot of my Grandma’s famous **Baked Beans Recipe**. Forget canned stuff, these are the real deal. They’re sweet, smoky, tangy, and unbelievably comforting. They’re almost like a barbecue in a bowl, but way easier and something my kids devour. What are some of the best side dishes to serve with coleslaw?

What are baked beans?

What is baked beans? It’s essentially a comforting, slow-cooked dish of beans, usually navy beans, simmered in a sweet and savory sauce. Think of it as the ultimate barbecue sidekick, only this version elevates it to main-dish-worthy levels. The name might be a little misleading, since you don’t *have* to bake them. My grandma always made hers on the stovetop, and that’s how I learned. Baking them does give it a slightly deeper flavour though, so feel free to pop it in the oven for the last hour! What is the perfect balance of sweet, smoky and tangy?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What I love about this is how genuinely surprised people are by the depth of flavor. I’ve had people tell me they “don’t like baked beans” only to polish off an entire bowl! ** The combination of brown sugar, molasses, bacon, and a secret blend of spices creates a taste that’s out of this world. Sweet, savory, smoky, and tangy all at the same time. I always sneak a taste while it’s simmering (okay, maybe a few tastes). * **Ridiculously Easy:** Don’t let the long simmering time fool you. This **baked beans recipe** is mostly hands-off. What’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights, or perfect for potlucks when you’re short on time but want to impress? * **Budget-Friendly:** Beans are cheap! And the other ingredients are pantry staples. This **baked beans recipe** feeds a crowd without breaking the bank, which is always a win in my book. What are the best side dishes to serve with grilled meats, burgers, or hot dogs? I’ve even been known to eat them straight from the pot as a midnight snack (don’t judge!). They go with everything, seriously. I know there are tons of recipes out there, and some are similar to this one. But trust me, this one is special. My family has been making it for generations, and it’s always a hit. This **baked beans recipe** just has that *je ne sais quoi*.

How do I make Baked Beans?

Quick Overview

How do you soak dried navy beans overnight? How do I cook bacon, add onions and garlic, and stir in brown sugar, molasses, mustard, and spices? What is the best way to cook beans in a Slow Cooker? I’ve done it in an instant pot on occasion! So there really is no way to mess this up.

Ingredients

For the Base:

2 cups dried navy beans, soaked overnight (trust me, this is essential)

6 slices of bacon, diced (thick-cut bacon is the best, in my opinion)

1 medium onion, chopped (yellow or white), whatever you have on hand.

2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is always best, but garlic powder works in a pinch)

For the Sauce:

1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark depending on how sweet you like it)

1/2 cup molasses (this gives it that classic baked beans flavor, don’t skip it!)

1/4 cup ketchup (adds a little tang): 1 cup ketchup (adds a

2 tablespoons yellow mustard (or Dijon for a little kick)?

What is Worcestershire sauce?

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a lovely smokiness)

1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)

What is a teaspoon of black pepper?

6 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)

What is the step-by-

Step 1: Drain and Rinse the Beans

After soaking navy beans overnight, drain them well and rinse them under cold water. This helps to remove any impurities and makes them easier to digest. I once skipped this step and had a *very* gassy evening. Learn from my mistakes!

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside. If you’re using fatty bacon, you may wish to remove some.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon grease and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Do not burn garlic, it can turn bitter quickly.

Step 4: Add the Beans and Sauce Ingredients

Add the drained and rinsed navy beans to the pot, along with the cooked bacon, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and water (or chicken). Stir everything together well to combine.

Step 5: Simmer (or Bake) the Beans

What is the best way to boil a pot of beans, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If you’re baking the beans, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake for 3-4 hours, or until the beans are tender. If you’re using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Once the beans are tender, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, brown sugar, or molasses, depending on your preference. What is Grandma’s famous baked beans recipe?

What should I serve it with?

What are some of my favorite ways to serve baked beans? I always get asked for the recipe when I bring them to potlucks! * **For breakfast:** Pile these beans on toast or serve them with fried eggs and bacon for a hearty and satisfying breakfast. What’s a good alternative to eggs and bacon? ** Serve these beans with a side of cornbread or a simple salad for a quick and easy lunch. * Serve these beans with meatloaf, pulled pork sandwiches, or even grilled cheese. They add a little sweetness and smokiness to any meal. I like to eat a bowl of these beans on their own, straight from the pot! They’re so comforting and satisfying, especially on a cold day.

How do you bake baked beans?

What are some of the best baked beans recipes? ** Soaking navy beans overnight is essential for ensuring that they cook evenly and become tender. I know it’s tempting to skip this step, but trust me, it makes a huge difference * **Use Good Quality Bacon:** The bacon adds so much flavor to the beans, so use the best quality bacon you can find. Thick-cut bacon is my personal favorite. Can you experiment with different flavors like maple or peppered bacon? ** This **baked beans recipe** is fairly sweet, but you can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar and molasses. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance out the sweetness. I like to add smoked paprika to my **baked beans recipe**, but you can also experiment with other spices, like cumin, or cayenne pepper. What are some good spices to add to a dish? What is the best way to make beans creamy? As the beans simmer, taste them occasionally and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, brown sugar, or molasses, depending on your preference.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

How do you store leftover baked beans? Can bacteria grow at room temperature? ** Place the cooled beans in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like to use glass containers, but plastic works too. Make sure to cool them down completely before refrigerating them as this will help to prevent bacterial growth. ** For longer storage, you can freeze the beans. Divide them into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave. What is the best way to reheat baked beans? ** Reheat the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth if they’ve thickened too much. ** Reheat the beans in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can explode! ** Reheat the beans in a baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

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Final Thoughts

What is your favorite baked beans recipe? What is the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy, and it’s so easy to make. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your friends and family. What are some of the best side dish recipes for barbecue? I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking!