Best Homemade Baked Beans Recipe: Easy & Delicious British-Style Baked Beans

When it comes to comfort food, hearty baked beans recipe tops the list. Whether you’re craving a traditional British-style dish or a homemade twist on canned beans, this guide will provide everything you need to create flavorful, wholesome baked beans in your kitchen. Say goodbye to artificial flavors & hello to decadent, savory goodness made from scratch.

Why Choose a Homemade Baked Beans Recipe?

While canned baked beans are convenient, they often contain preservatives and lack the depth of flavor that homemade recipes can provide. A homemade baked beans recipe gives you complete control over the ingredients, making it healthier, tastier, and customizable to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare this classic baked beans recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• Navy beans (or haricot beans): The star of the dish, providing a creamy texture.
• Onion and garlic: For a robust, savory base.
• Tomato paste: Adds depth and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
• Brown sugar: Balances the tanginess with a touch of sweetness.
• Molasses or honey: Traditional sweeteners for an authentic taste.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a mild kick and rounds out the flavors.
• Worcestershire sauce: For a subtle umami touch.
• Chicken or vegetable stock: The liquid base for the beans.
• Cornflour (optional): Helps thicken the sauce for a glossy finish.

Step-by-Step Baked Beans Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

If using dried beans, soak them overnight in water and cook until tender (approximately 1–2 hours). For convenience, canned beans can be rinsed and used directly.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat some oil and sauté chopped onions and garlic until fragrant in a large pot or Dutch oven.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add tomato paste, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine, creating a thick and flavorful base.

Step 4: Add Beans and Stock

Pour in the beans and stock, ensuring the beans are fully submerged. Simmer on low heat for 30–40 minutes, permitting flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

If the sauce is too thin, dissolve cornflour in water and stir it into the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the baked beans warm with crusty bread, baked potatoes, or grilled meats.

Tips for Perfect Baked Beans

1. Use the right beans: Navy or haricot beans work best due to their creamy texture.
2. Don’t rush the simmering process: Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop fully.
3. Customize sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and molasses to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile baked beans recipe can be enjoyed in numerous ways:

• Spread on toast for a classic British-style breakfast.
• As a side dish with grilled chicken or sausages.
• Stuffed into baked sweet potatoes for a hearty vegetarian meal.
• Served at barbecues as a crowd-pleasing addition.

Nutritional Benefits of Homemade Baked Beans

Homemade baked beans are rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. By controlling the ingredients, you can reduce added sugars and sodium compared to store-bought options, making it a healthy choice for the whole family.