Baked Beans from Scratch
Baked beans are a staple at any BBQ. Making baked beans from scratch is so much better than the canned baked beans you buy from the store. Make these for your next potluck or BBQ and you will definitely have happy guests.
These beans are perfect for making in big batches for parties. They are even great made in advance. Taking the time to make baked beans from scratch is definitely worth it. I have seen recipes that take shortcuts and use canned pork and beans, but this recipe uses dried beans, and a scratch made sauce, so it does take a bit longer to make. But the flavor definitely shows.
Cooking the beans separately can make this process go a little faster. I like to break up the cooking into two days by making the beans the first day then finishing the recipe the next. This is especially helpful if you have an early event you need to be at since it will only take about 1 1/2 hours to cook on the second day.
This recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. If you like to have sweeter beans you can add a little more brown sugar or even honey to the recipe. Ketchup can also be used to replace the tomato sauce for additional sweetness. The bacon in this recipe contributes a lot of flavor. Using a good quality bacon that has a good smoky flavor is best.
Making Baked Beans from Scratch
The day before you plan to serve the baked beans, rinse and cook the beans according to the package. Once done allow to cool and refrigerate.
When you are ready to make the baked beans start by preheating the oven to 350°F then heating a large pot or Dutch Oven over medium heat. Add the bacon and onion and sauté until the bacon has rendered most of the fat off and the onions are tender and browned lightly. This is an important step that you should not skip. Rendering the fat will give the bacon better flavor and texture.
Add in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute. Strain the water off of the beans and reserve 1 1/2 cups of the liquid.
Next add in the tomato sauce, reserved bean water, apple cider vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire Sauce and all of the spices. Stir well. Bring to a simmer and add in the beans.
Place the pot in the preheated oven uncovered and cook for 1 hour. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Perfect for parties and potlucks. This baked bean recipe is made entirely from scratch. The sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. You are sure to impress your guests with this scratch made baked beans recipe.
- 1 Pound dry navy beans
- 1 Large onion (small diced)
- 4 Slices thick smoky bacon
- 3 Cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 Cup tomato sauce
- 1 Teaspoon molasses
- 1/2 Cup light brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon dry mustard powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 Teaspoon pepper (freshly cracked)
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 cup reserved bean water
The day before you plan to serve the baked beans, rinse and cook the beans according to the package. Once done allow to cool and refrigerate.
When you are ready to make the baked beans start by preheating the oven to 350°F then heating a large pot or Dutch Oven over medium heat. Add the bacon and onion and sauté until the bacon has rendered most of the fat off and the onions are tender and browned lightly. This is an important step that you should not skip. Rendering the fat will give the bacon better flavor and texture. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute. Strain the water off of the beans and reserve 1 1/2 cups of the liquid.
Next add in the tomato sauce, reserved bean water, apple cider vinegar, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire Sauce and all of the spices. Stir well. Bring to a simmer and add in the beans.
Place the pot in the preheated oven uncovered and cook for 1 hour. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
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