Delicious Homemade Baked Beans: The Perfect Side Dish Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a delicious and hearty side dish to accompany your next barbecue or family gathering? Look no further than this homemade baked beans recipe. Made from scratch, these beans are packed with flavor and will have everyone coming back for second helpings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried navy beans
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by rinsing and sorting the navy beans. Then, soak them in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
2. Drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add the diced onion, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, water, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours or until the beans are tender.
4. If desired, add the cooked and crumbled bacon to the pot and stir well.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and let the baked beans cool slightly before serving.

Tips and Variations

To make these baked beans vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the bacon from the recipe. You can also add some diced bell peppers or jalapenos for an extra kick of flavor.

If you prefer your baked beans to be less sweet, reduce the amount of molasses and brown sugar in the recipe. You can also add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.

Conclusion

With this homemade baked beans recipe, you can easily create a delicious and satisfying side dish that will impress your guests. The combination of flavors and textures in these beans is sure to make them a crowd favorite.

F.A.Q.S.

1. Can I use canned beans instead of cooking them from scratch?

While using canned beans is a convenient option, cooking the beans from scratch allows you to control the flavors and texture of the final dish. However, if you're short on time, you can substitute canned beans.

2. How long do I need to soak the beans before cooking?

For best results, it's recommended to soak the navy beans overnight or for at least 8 hours. This helps to soften the beans and reduce the cooking time.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Just omit the bacon from the recipe and you'll have a delicious vegetarian or vegan version of these baked beans.

4. How can I make the baked beans less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet flavor, you can reduce the amount of molasses and brown sugar in the recipe. You can also add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to balance out the sweetness with some tanginess.