Welcome back to the heart of comfort food with our irresistible "Welcome Back Baked Beans"! This classic American dish is not just a side; it’s a celebration of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, these baked beans are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, ideal for family gatherings, barbecues, or simply a cozy night in. Imagine the rich aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake to perfection—trust us, you won't want to miss out on this delightful recipe! Dive into our easy-to-follow steps and discover how to bring this beloved dish to your table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans of navy beans
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon of mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Drain and rinse the navy beans thoroughly in a colander under cool running water to remove excess sodium and starch.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, chopped onion, and mustard. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well mixed and evenly coated.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading the ingredients evenly across the surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture and prevent the beans from drying out during baking.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil to allow the top to caramelize and develop a slightly crispy texture.
- Continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the beans are heated through and the top is slightly golden and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the baked beans rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with optional fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose Your Beans Wisely: While navy beans are traditional, feel free to mix in other varieties like pinto or kidney beans for added texture and flavor.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or a pinch of smoked paprika to the bean mixture.
- Don’t Skip the Rinsing: Rinsing the beans is crucial to reduce sodium and improve the overall taste of your dish.
- Covering is Key: Keeping the baking dish covered for the first 45 minutes helps steam the beans, ensuring they stay moist and tender.
- Let It Rest: Allow the baked beans to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce thicken and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve your baked beans alongside grilled meats, cornbread, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
