Fantabulously Easy Baked Beans

There are certain aromas that instantly transport me back to childhood summers, and the sweet, smoky scent of baked beans simmering is undeniably one of them. I can vividly recall picnics in the park, the checkered blanket spread out on the grass, and a warm, earthenware dish overflowing with these glorious beans. My grandmother, a woman whose kitchen was always filled with the promise of something delicious, made a batch of baked beans that were legendary. They weren’t complicated, but they possessed a depth of flavor that made everyone clamor for seconds. This recipe, the one I’ve honed over years of chasing that same comforting taste, is a testament to how simple ingredients, treated with a little love and patience, can yield something truly spectacular.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 1 2-quart casserole dish
• Dietary Type: Contains Pork (Bacon)

Ingredients

This recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, proving that you don’t need a pantry full of fancy items to create something deeply satisfying. The beauty lies in their synergy, transforming simple canned beans into a dish worthy of any barbecue or family gathering.

• 2 (31 ounce) cans Bush’s Baked Beans
• 1 tablespoon Coleman’s Dry Mustard (or more, if you appreciate a spicier kick)
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/4 cup Molasses
• 1 small Onion, diced
• 8 slices Maple Bacon

Ingredient Notes

• Bush’s Baked Beans: The foundation of this recipe. While you can certainly experiment with other brands, Bush’s offers a classic, slightly sweet base that works exceptionally well here.
• Coleman’s Dry Mustard: This is a specific brand of dry mustard, known for its potent flavor. If you use another brand, its intensity might vary. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount to your personal preference for heat.
• Molasses: Crucial for that signature deep, slightly bitter sweetness and rich color. Ensure you’re using unsulphured molasses for the best flavor.
• Maple Bacon: The maple adds a subtle, complementary sweetness that elevates the overall profile of the beans. Any good quality bacon will work, but the maple variety is particularly delightful.

Equipment Needed

• 2-quart Casserole Dish
• Oven
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Knife and Cutting Board (for onion)

Instructions

Bringing these Fantabulously Easy Baked Beans to life is an exercise in simplicity. The oven does most of the work, coaxing out deep flavors and creating a wonderfully rich texture.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring your oven is at the correct temperature is the first step towards baked bean perfection.
2. In a 2-quart casserole dish, combine the ingredients. Pour in both cans of Bush’s Baked Beans.
3. Add the 1 tablespoon of Coleman’s Dry Mustard, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of molasses directly into the casserole dish with the beans.
4. Stir in the diced small onion. Ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together, distributing the sugar, mustard, and molasses evenly throughout the beans.
5. Arrange the 8 slices of maple bacon over the top of the bean mixture. You can lay them flat or overlap them slightly, depending on your preference for bacon coverage.
6. Place the casserole dish uncovered into the preheated oven.
7. Bake for 1 hour. During this time, the beans will heat through, the flavors will meld, and the bacon will cook and crisp.
8. Check for doneness: The beans should have a dark, rich color on top, and the bacon should appear cooked and slightly crispy. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a tell-tale sign of their readiness.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Bacon Arrangement: For maximum bacon flavor in every bite, consider cutting the bacon slices in half before laying them on top. This also helps them crisp up more evenly.
• Onion Size: Dicing the onion small ensures it softens and melds into the beans without being overpowering. If you’re not a fan of onion chunks, you can finely mince it or even grate it for a more subtle presence.
• The “Uncovered” Secret: Baking uncovered is key here. It allows the liquid to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors and helping the bacon to achieve that desirable crispiness without getting soggy.
• Oven Variations: Ovens can vary in their heat distribution. If you notice your bacon browning too quickly or the beans looking dry, you can loosely tent the dish with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Conversely, if it seems too moist, continue baking uncovered for a few extra minutes.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Fantabulously Easy Baked Beans are incredibly versatile. Serve them piping hot as a quintessential side dish for barbecued ribs, pulled pork, or fried chicken. They are also a fantastic addition to a brunch spread or a casual potluck picnic. Their rich, comforting flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave them in short bursts until heated through. You might find the consistency thickens slightly upon refrigeration, so a splash of water or a bit more molasses can help loosen them up when reheating, if needed.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of these delicious baked beans. Please note that these are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and exact portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	273.2 kcal
Calories from Fat		11 g
Total Fat	1.2 g	4 %
Saturated Fat	0.2 g	1 %
Cholesterol	0 mg	0 %
Sodium	747.2 mg	31 %
Total Carbohydrate	62.4 g	20 %
Dietary Fiber	9.3 g	37 %
Sugars	32.8 g	131 %
Protein	10.9 g	21 %

Note: The percentages of Daily Value are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is wonderfully classic as is, there’s always room for a touch of personal flair!

• Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the bean mixture.
• Smoky Depth: If you want an even smokier flavor, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the dry mustard.
• Meatless Monday Twist: While the bacon is integral to the classic flavor, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you could omit the bacon entirely and add a tablespoon of liquid smoke to the bean mixture for a smoky undertone. Ensure you use vegetarian baked beans as your base in this case.
• Sweetener Swap: If molasses isn’t readily available, you can substitute with an equal amount of dark corn syrup, though you’ll lose a bit of that characteristic molasses depth.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these baked beans ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the beans (without the bacon) up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Add the bacon just before baking.

Q: My bacon didn’t get crispy, what went wrong?
A: Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and that the bacon isn’t too thick. If the beans seem done but the bacon isn’t, you can pop the dish under the broiler for a minute or two at the end, watching it very carefully to prevent burning.

Q: Can I use regular canned baked beans instead of Bush’s?
A: You can, but the flavor profile will change. Bush’s provides a specific sweetness and texture that works well with the other ingredients.

Q: Do I have to add the onion?
A: The onion adds a subtle aromatic sweetness that complements the other flavors. However, if you strongly dislike onions, you can omit them, but the beans might be slightly less complex in flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the beans from drying out?
A: Baking uncovered is essential for developing flavor and texture. If your beans appear dry during baking, a small splash of water or a touch more molasses can help.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain magic in simple, home-cooked food, and these Fantabulously Easy Baked Beans are a perfect embodiment of that. They’re a testament to the idea that you don’t need to be a culinary maestro to create something truly delicious and memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for a reliable side or a beginner venturing into the kitchen, this recipe is your gateway to comforting, crowd-pleasing goodness. Serve them with pride, watch them disappear, and savor the smiles they bring to your table. I hope they bring you as much joy as they’ve brought me over the years.