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Homemade Baked Beans

Section: Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Any Meal

These baked beans combine crispy bacon and caramelized onions with a thick, flavorful sauce made from molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and maple syrup. Slow-baked until bubbly and rich, they offer a perfect balance of smoky and sweet flavors. Ideal as a hearty side for barbecues and gatherings, the beans thicken the longer they cook, enhancing their comforting texture and deep taste. Simple to prepare and packed with Southern charm, this dish consistently pleases guests with its bold and satisfying profile.

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A woman in a white chef's coat holding a glass of wine.
Provided By Lina
Last updated on Sat, 01 Nov 2025 23:02:06 GMT
A bowl of homemade baked beans. Bookmark
A bowl of homemade baked beans. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

This homemade baked beans recipe delivers a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet side dish that shines at any cookout or BBQ. It combines the hearty texture of pork and beans with a thick sauce infused with bacon grease, molasses, and maple syrup, creating a comforting classic that stays a crowd-pleaser.

I first made these beans for a family barbecue and they quickly became a requested addition to every get-together. The balance of smoky bacon and molasses sweetness hooked everyone instantly.

Ingredients

  • Bacon: fresh bacon is essential to create flavorful grease for sautéing and to add a smoky depth
  • Onion: softens and adds savory sweetness when cooked in bacon grease
  • Canned pork and beans: use a total of 48 ounces and choose cans without extra sauce for better control of flavor and texture
  • Mustard: adds complexity and brightness to the sauce without overpowering it
  • Maple syrup: real or imitation works fine and lends subtle sweetness that complements the molasses
  • Ketchup: use your favorite brand for balanced sweetness and acidity
  • Molasses: the secret ingredient that brings rich, deep flavor to the beans
  • Brown sugar: light brown sugar adds a mild caramel note without overwhelming sweetness

Instructions

Sauté the Bacon and Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp and golden. Drain the bacon on paper towels then crumble it. Reserve about a quarter cup of the rendered bacon grease in the skillet. Finely chop the onions and add them to the bacon grease. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and soft. If you do not have enough bacon grease, add a splash of oil to prevent sticking.
Combine Ingredients in the Pan:
Add the crumbled bacon, pork and beans, mustard, maple syrup, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the onions. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors and coat the beans evenly.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the bean mixture into an ungreased nine by thirteen inch baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake Covered:
Place the covered baking dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for about one hour until the beans are bubbly and the sauce has thickened.
Optional Additional Baking:
For thicker beans with less sauce, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another twenty to thirty minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you bake uncovered the thicker the sauce will become.
A spoon is in a bowl of baked beans.
A spoon is in a bowl of baked beans. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

I love the smoky bacon flavor that truly unites the dish. It reminds me of summer cookouts where everyone gathered around the grill while the rich scent of bacon and molasses sauce filled the air.

Storage Tips

Cool the baked beans to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to five days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out. For longer storage, freeze in meal-sized portions and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try smoked turkey bacon as a leaner alternative but keep in mind the flavor will be lighter. If you do not have pork and beans, use plain navy or great northern beans and mix them with a bit of canned pork or sausage for authenticity. Brown sugar can be swapped with coconut sugar for a different caramel note.

Serving Suggestions

These beans are perfect alongside grilled meats like ribs, pulled pork, or chicken. Top with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for an extra touch. Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like a spicy kick.

A spoonful of baked beans.
A spoonful of baked beans. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

These baked beans are a perfect make-ahead side packed with smoky, sweet flavor. They freeze well and reheat beautifully for easy entertaining.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ Can I prepare the beans ahead of time?

Yes, store the beans covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven before serving.

→ How can I thicken the bean sauce?

Remove the foil during baking and cook longer, stirring occasionally until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

→ What additions enhance these baked beans?

Try adding cooked ground meats like beef or pork, sliced hot dogs, kielbasa, or a bit of jalapeño for heat.

→ Is it possible to make these beans in a slow cooker?

Yes, these beans adapt well to slow cooking methods, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over time.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Cool leftovers to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

→ Can baked beans be frozen?

After cooling, transfer beans to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.

Homemade Baked Beans

Savory baked beans featuring smoky bacon, molasses, and a rich, thick sauce perfect for any cookout.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
90 minutes
Total Time
105 minutes
Provided By: Lina

Recipe Type: Side Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern American

Portion Size: 8 Serving Size

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

What You’ll Need

→ Meat

01 6 slices bacon

→ Vegetables

02 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

→ Canned Goods

03 48 ounces pork and beans (three 16-ounce cans or six 8-ounce cans)

→ Condiments and Sweeteners

04 1/4 cup ketchup
05 2 tablespoons molasses
06 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
07 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
08 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

→ Seasonings

09 Salt, to taste
10 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps to Make This

Step 01

Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled, reserving 1/4 cup of the bacon grease in the pan.

Step 02

Add the finely chopped onion to the reserved bacon grease and sauté over medium heat until translucent. If insufficient grease remains, add a small amount of oil to the pan.

Step 03

Add the cooked bacon, pork and beans, ketchup, molasses, mustard, maple syrup, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.

Step 04

Transfer the mixture to an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes until bubbly and browned.

Step 05

For thicker consistency, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 06

Remove from oven, give the beans a final stir, and serve warm as a flavorful side dish.

Additional Notes

  1. Beans can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and reheated in the oven before serving.
  2. Continuing to bake after removing the foil thickens the sauce for a richer texture.
  3. Add cooked ground meat or jalapeños to customize flavor and bulk if desired.
  4. To store leftovers, cool to room temperature and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • 9 x 13-inch baking dish
  • Oven
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Warnings

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Contains pork

Nutrition Details (Per Portion)

These details are for informational purposes and aren’t a substitute for professional guidance.
  • Calories: 320.5
  • Fat: 12.4 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 40.3 grams
  • Proteins: 14.1 grams