If you’ve ever wondered how to make baked beans from scratch, you’re in the right place! Homemade baked beans are a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, BBQs, or potlucks. Making them yourself means you control the ingredients, avoid preservatives, and get that rich, slow-cooked taste that canned beans just can’t match. Here’s an easy, step-by-step guide to help you make baked beans from scratch with a friendly, approachable tone.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Baked Beans from Scratch
– 1 pound dried navy beans (or any small white bean)
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 6-8 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
– 1-2 cups diced yellow onion
– 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
– 1 cup ketchup or tomato puree
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup or molasses
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 3 cups beef or vegetable stock (or reserved bean cooking liquid)
– Optional: mustard, garlic, bell peppers, hot sauce, and spices for extra flavor
Step 1: Soak and Cook the Beans
Start by soaking your dried beans overnight in plenty of cold water. This softens them and reduces cooking time. After soaking, drain and rinse the beans well.
Next, place the beans in a large pot, cover with fresh water (about 2 inches above the beans), add salt and baking soda, and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour until the beans are tender but not mushy. Drain the beans, reserving some of the cooking liquid for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Flavor Base
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove some bacon fat if there’s too much, but keep enough to sauté the onions.
Add the diced onions to the pot and cook until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-10 minutes. For extra depth, you can also add finely minced garlic and diced bell peppers, cooking for a few more minutes.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce and Combine
Stir in the brown sugar, ketchup or tomato puree, maple syrup or molasses, and apple cider vinegar. Add any optional seasonings like mustard or hot sauce here. Pour in about 1 1/2 to 3 cups of the reserved bean cooking liquid or stock to create a rich sauce.
Add the cooked beans back into the pot and stir everything together gently, ensuring the beans are coated in the sauce.
Step 4: Bake Low and Slow
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Cover the pot with a lid or foil and bake the beans for about 3 to 4 hours. Check every hour or so to stir and add more liquid if the beans start to dry out. The slow baking helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken beautifully.
If you like, tuck in a ham bone or smoked pork for extra smoky flavor during baking, removing it before serving.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Baked Beans
– Use navy or small white beans for the best texture.
– Don’t rush the soaking and simmering steps-they’re key to tender beans.
– Brown the bacon and caramelize onions well for deep flavor.
– Adjust sweetness and tanginess by balancing brown sugar, molasses, and vinegar to your taste.
– Slow baking is essential for that classic baked bean texture and flavor.
– Save some cooking liquid to keep beans moist during baking.
Making baked beans from scratch takes time but is worth every minute. The result is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side or even a main course.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm, comforting taste of homemade baked beans!
Ready to try other bean recipes or need tips on variations? Just ask!