Enjoy this hearty American classic with burgers, hot dogs, or BBQ chicken.
Every year on Independence Day, my family and I would visit my grandparents’ lakehouse for a celebratory picnic. Their windows were wide open, circulating air between what was cooking in the kitchen and what they had on the grill in their backyard. It was always a team effort, with each person bringing a big and delicious dish to pass. My great-aunt, who usually cooked inside to avoid the hot midday sun, was known for her luscious Southern baked beans—a sweet and savory side that nearly everyone liked.
Even after she had finished cooking them, my aunt would keep her casserole dish full of bubbling baked beans in the oven. That way, they’d stay warm and simmering with flavor right up until everything else was ready. In recent years, she’d make one version with smoky bacon bits as well, for the meat-lovers in our family. That’s the beauty of this baked beans recipe—you can jazz it up however you’d like to satisfy the cravings of everyone in your brood. To this day, the dynamic simplicity of baked beans is what makes this dish such a perfect party dish, especially in the summer alongside other BBQ classics.
With a comforting, tangy sauce and an optional garnish of fresh herbs, baked beans can easily feed many mouths at your next family shindig. And it’s almost certain that they’ll come back for seconds!
The mystery and history of baked beans
While the exact origin of baked beans in ancient times is debated, the recipe is most commonly traced back to eastern Native Americans, who slow-cooked beans with maple syrup and animal fat. In the 1900s, the Heinz food brand—founded by Henry J. Heinz of Pittsburgh, PA—began selling canned baked beans in the US, which are an American food icon to this day. Their recipe includes their signature ketchup, which they had invented a few decades before. Nowadays, the most common baked beans recipe you’ll find still includes ketchup, with a sweetener of either brown sugar or maple syrup.
How do I store leftovers?
Once your baked beans have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-5 days. Alternatively, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and then reheat them in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they’re completely warm.
Similar recipes to try
While this baked beans recipe is a classic, you might want to mix it up with something a bit spicier or more savory, rather than tangy and sweet. Try Instant Pot Southern Pinto Beans With Ham, which is so hearty, you can serve it as a main dish instead of a side. Alongside either bean dish, serve some Sugar-Free Keto BBQ Pulled Chicken and Keto Coleslaw. On the other hand, if you’re craving burgers, dish out some mouthwatering Meatloaf Burgers with a side of Jiffy Mix Hush Puppies. This combo makes your picnic less traditional and more of a fun twist.
Baked Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup diced yellow onion
- 1/3 cup diced green bell pepper
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cans baked beans (28 ounces each)
- Fresh herbs chopped, for optional garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
-
Stir in the apple cider vinegar, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well and add the baked beans with juices. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 40-60 minutes until the dish is bubbly.
-
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the beans cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition
The post Baked Beans Recipe appeared first on Pepper Porch.
0 Mga Komento