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Southern Baked Beans

Southern Baked Beans are a quintessential side dish of classic Southern cuisine. This recipe boasts a rich and satisfying flavor profile with sweet, smoky, and savory notes. Long, slow cooking transforms beans into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, all coated in a thick, luxurious sauce.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes - 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

  • Beans: Navy beans or pinto beans are traditional. Other options include Great Northern beans or kidney beans.
  • Sweetener: Brown sugar is classic, but molasses or maple syrup add unique flavor dimensions.
  • Flavor Enhancers: Bacon adds smoky saltiness (omit for vegetarian versions). Onions and green bell peppers build a savory base.
  • Spices: Mustard (yellow or Dijon), Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of black pepper provide the perfect flavor boost.
  • Sauce Base: Ketchup adds tanginess and helps create the signature sauce. Many recipes also include barbecue sauce for extra smokiness.

Instructions

  1. Soak and Rinse (Optional): While not strictly necessary, soaking beans overnight can shorten cooking time and improve digestibility. Rinse thoroughly after soaking.

  2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving the grease in the pan.

  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the onion and green bell pepper (if using) to the pan. Cook until softened and slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

  4. Combine the Ingredients: Add the beans, sweetener, ketchup, barbecue sauce (if using), mustard, Worcestershire sauce, spices, and any reserved cooked bacon to the pot. Stir to combine thoroughly.

  5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Cover the pot and bake for 1-2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. For a deeper caramelization, uncover the beans for the last 30 minutes of baking.

Notes

  • Sweetness is key, so start with the recommended amount of sweetener and adjust to taste throughout the cooking process.
  • For extra smoky flavor, use a bit of your favorite barbecue sauce along with the ketchup.
  • Vegetarian variations are easy! Swap bacon for smoked paprika and liquid smoke, and build flavor with a savory vegetable broth.
  • Author: Juana M. Benedict
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1-2 hours (depending on desired consistency and bean tenderness)
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking (with stovetop sautéing)
  • Cuisine: Southern (American)
  • Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg