If there’s one dish guaranteed to disappear first at a barbecue or family dinner, it’s Easy Baked Beans. This timeless side combines creamy white beans, rich smoky bacon, and a sweet-tangy sauce in a single skillet—the perfect blend of homey flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, there’s an irresistible satisfaction in pulling bubbling baked beans, thickened to saucy perfection, straight from the oven. You’ll love how minimal prep leads to maximum flavor in this classic treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Easy Baked Beans lies in how every ingredient brings its own magic—each one stacks up to deliver the nostalgic, crowd-pleasing taste we crave. Simple pantry staples and a few fresh touches are all you need.
- Bacon: Adds savory smoky depth and a little crispy bite that makes these beans irresistible.
- Onion: Cooked until soft and golden, onions sweeten up the entire dish and round out the flavor.
- Navy or Great Northern Beans: These tender beans soak up all the sweet and tangy sauce, creating the ultimate creamy texture.
- Ketchup: Lays down a familiar sweet-tart base for the sauce and keeps things comforting and classic.
- Brown Sugar: Brings gentle sweetness and a little molasses undertone to balance the savory notes.
- Molasses: Deepens the flavor profile with richness and a dark caramel color.
- Yellow Mustard: Adds just the right bit of tang and zesty brightness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash cuts through the sweetness and keeps the sauce lively.
- Garlic Powder: Lends mellow, savory background flavor that makes everything taste better.
- Smoked Paprika: Dials up smokiness and adds a gorgeous reddish hue.
- Black Pepper: Just a pinch for subtle warmth and classic seasoning.
- Salt: Enhances all those savory, sweet, and tangy notes so they really shine.
How to Make Easy Baked Beans
Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. In a big oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, fry the chopped bacon over medium heat until it turns golden and crispy. This step creates a flavor-packed base and those little crispy bits are like hidden treasures in the finished dish. Once crisp, take the bacon out with a slotted spoon and let it drain on a paper towel, but keep a tablespoon of the drippings in the pan for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Add the diced onion to your hot bacon drippings. Let them cook gently, stirring often, until they turn soft and just a touch amber at the edges—about five minutes does the trick. This will mellow out the sharpness and give the Easy Baked Beans a silky-sweet flavor.
Step 3: Mix in the Beans and Sauce Ingredients
Now comes the fun part! Tip in the drained beans, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir thoroughly so the beans are evenly coated and your kitchen already starts to smell incredible. Bring everything to a gentle simmer; this wakes up all the flavors and melds the sauce together beautifully.
Step 4: Add Bacon and Bake
Stir your crispy bacon back into the skillet, making sure it’s nestled snugly in the sauce. Transfer the whole skillet uncovered into your waiting oven and bake for 45 minutes. As it bakes, the sauce thickens and bubbles, clinging to every bean and infusing each bite with savory-sweet goodness. Pull it out when the top is glossy and caramelized—you’ll know it’s ready because everyone will suddenly show up in the kitchen.
How to Serve Easy Baked Beans
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onion brightens up the whole pan and contrasts beautifully with the deep, sticky sauce. If you’re feeling bold, a few extra bacon crumbles on top never hurt!
Side Dishes
Easy Baked Beans love company! They’re pitch-perfect next to barbecue favorites like grilled chicken, burgers, or ribs. For potlucks or casual dinners, try pairing them with buttered corn on the cob, creamy coleslaw, or classic potato salad—the combination is always a hit.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get fancy? Spoon the beans into little mason jars for individual servings at parties. They also make a hearty layer in baked potato bars, or as a topping for toast or roasted sweet potatoes. Trust me, you’ll find plenty of reasons to grab an extra scoop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Easy Baked Beans to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making them even more rewarding the next day!
Freezing
If you want to stock up, let your beans cool completely, then spoon into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a tiny bit of room for expansion. They’ll keep their deliciousness for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Easy Baked Beans gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If they seem a bit thick after chilling, add a splash of water or broth and stir until they reach your desired texture, then warm through until hot and steamy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of beans?
Absolutely! While navy or great northern beans are the classics for Easy Baked Beans, you can swap in pinto or cannellini beans with great results. Just aim for beans that are soft and creamy but hold their shape.
How can I make these vegetarian?
No bacon? No problem! Skip the bacon and sauté your onion in olive oil instead. You’ll still get loads of flavor and a perfect plant-based side.
Is it possible to double this recipe for a party?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or roasting dish. Just keep an eye on the sauce as it cooks; you might need a few extra minutes for everything to bubble and thicken nicely.
Can Easy Baked Beans be made in advance?
Yes! These beans reheat well and the flavors get even better with time. Make them a day or two ahead, then warm gently before serving. They’re an ideal stress-free side for entertaining.
What’s the best way to add more smokiness?
If you’re a fan of smokier beans, add a drop or two of liquid smoke to the sauce, or swap the ketchup for your favorite smoky barbecue sauce. Smoked paprika and some extra bacon also do wonders!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts nostalgic and impressive, Easy Baked Beans are the answer. They’re a breeze to whip up, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews from everyone at the table. Give them a try—you’ll find yourself making them on repeat!
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Easy Baked Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These easy baked beans are a classic side dish that’s perfect for any barbecue or family gathering. The combination of bacon, beans, and a flavorful sauce creates a hearty and satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Bacon:
- 4 slices bacon (chopped)
Onion:
- 1 small onion (diced)
Beans:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) navy beans or great northern beans (drained and rinsed)
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed), 1/4 cup molasses, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Beans: Stir in the beans, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Bacon and Bake: Stir in the cooked bacon, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened and bubbly. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke or use barbecue sauce in place of ketchup.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sauté the onion in olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
