Dive Into Deliciousness: Anastasia’s Best-Ever Baked Beans Recipe
Anastasia’s Best-Ever Baked Beans are a quintessential side dish that adds warmth and flavor to any meal. This timeless recipe features a perfect blend of hearty beans, savory bacon, and sweet and tangy sauce. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, potluck, or family gathering, these baked beans are sure to steal the show. Join us as we unlock the secrets to creating this beloved classic that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients:
- Produce:
- 5 cans Pork and beans
- 1 Yellow or sweet onion, large
- Condiments:
- 3/4 cup Ketchup
- 1/2 cup Molasses, unsulphured
- 3 tablespoons Mustard, yellow
- Baking & Spices:
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- Dairy:
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- Other:
- 6-8 slices uncooked bacon (each slice cut in half or thirds)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish or casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Finely chop the yellow or sweet onion and set aside. Cut each slice of uncooked bacon into halves or thirds, depending on your preference.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cans of pork and beans (undrained), chopped onion, ketchup, molasses, mustard, brown sugar, and butter. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and the sauce is evenly distributed.
- Layer the Bacon:
- Transfer the bean mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Arrange the halved or thirds slices of uncooked bacon on top of the beans, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the beans are bubbly and the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the baked beans from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and enjoy the comforting and flavorful goodness of Anastasia’s Best-Ever Baked Beans!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Smoky Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke to the bean mixture before baking.
- Spice it Up: Customize the level of heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version of baked beans.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Substitute the brown sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the carb content.
- Replace the pork and beans with black soybeans or navy beans to lower the carb count while still enjoying the rich flavors of baked beans.
Low-Carb Version:
- Follow the keto version instructions above, making sure to adjust the ingredients and portion sizes to fit your low-carb lifestyle.
- Enjoy these low-carb baked beans as a tasty side dish without worrying about the extra carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use different types of beans in this recipe? Yes, you can use a variety of beans such as kidney beans, black beans, or navy beans in place of the pork and beans for a different flavor and texture.
2. Can I make these baked beans ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the bean mixture in advance and refrigerate it in the baking dish until you’re ready to bake. Simply add the bacon on top just before baking.
3. How do I store leftover baked beans? Store any leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
4. Can I freeze baked beans? Yes, you can freeze baked beans for longer storage. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Anastasia’s Best-Ever Baked Beans are the ultimate comfort food that brings joy to any table. With their rich and savory flavors, tender beans, and crispy bacon topping, these baked beans are sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Plus, with keto and low-carb variations available, everyone can enjoy the deliciousness of baked beans without sacrificing their dietary preferences. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to savor the irresistible goodness of Anastasia’s Best-Ever Baked Beans!
