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Tired of the artificial flavors and slimy texture of canned baked beans? You’re not alone. Many people are looking for a homemade baked beans recipe that is tastier, healthier, and surprisingly easy to make. If you’ve ever craved the comforting, sweet, and savory flavor of Heinz baked beans, but wanted to skip the preservatives, this recipe is the perfect solution.
Homemade baked beans can taste almost exactly like the store-bought versions, but without the chemical additives or artificial flavors. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a simple side dish for lunch or dinner, or something to serve with your BBQ, this recipe will have you covered. Plus, it’s incredibly easy and affordable to make!
This recipe is a copycat of the iconic Heinz Baked Beans, a beloved British export that’s now enjoyed all over the world. In Australia, these bbq beans are often served as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner staple. The best part? You get the same comforting taste, but with a fresh, homemade twist. Let’s explore how to make these delicious homemade baked beans from scratch, using simple, affordable ingredients.
Why You Should Make This Heinz Baked Beans Recipe at Home
There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with creating your own food from scratch, and baked beans are no exception. Here are a few reasons why this homemade version is the way to go:
- Tastier: Homemade baked beans taste fresher and fuller. You get to control the flavor balance—add more sweetness, smokiness, or tang as per your preference.
- Healthier: Canned baked beans often contain excess sugar, salt, and artificial preservatives. This homemade recipe skips all that, using wholesome, fresh ingredients.
- More Affordable: Buying cans of baked beans can quickly add up, but with this recipe, you’re using affordable pantry staples that will save you money in the long run.
- Versatile: While baked beans are typically served as part of a British breakfast, they are also a fantastic addition to barbecues, family dinners, or even as a filling topping for toast.
- Customizable: You can tweak the flavors to your liking—whether you prefer them sweeter, smokier, or spicier, the choice is yours.
So, if you’re ready to ditch the canned variety and try something better, let’s dive into the baked beans recipe that will have your taste buds singing!
Ingredients for the Heinz Baked Beans Recipe
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make homemade baked beans that taste just like Heinz. Whether you’re preparing them for a weekend breakfast or as a side dish for your dinner, these ingredients come together in perfect harmony to create the ultimate bbq beans.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried navy beans (haricot beans) | 2 cups |
| Water (for soaking) | 6 cups |
| Bacon or pancetta | 4 slices |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Molasses | 1/4 cup |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Ketchup | 1/4 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Chili powder (optional) | 1/2 tsp |
These simple ingredients will combine to give you the rich, deep flavors associated with Heinz Baked Beans, but in a fresher, healthier form.
Canned vs. Dried Beans: Which Should You Use?
You can make this baked beans recipe with either dried or canned beans. The base recipe uses dried beans because they provide a better texture and taste, as well as more control over the cooking process. In fact, dried navy beans (also called haricot beans) are the same beans used in commercially produced canned baked beans like Heinz.
However, if you’re pressed for time, you can always opt for canned beans. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly to reduce excess sodium. But for the most authentic, homemade baked beans, dried beans are the way to go.
Stock: Chicken or Vegetable?
The flavor of the sauce for baked beans is influenced by the type of stock you use. Chicken stock creates a richer, more complex sauce, while vegetable stock gives a lighter, more neutral flavor. If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, feel free to swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock. If you’re aiming for the deep, umami-packed flavor of Heinz Baked Beans, chicken stock is recommended.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Homemade Baked Beans
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making this delicious baked beans recipe. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly simple, requiring just a few easy steps to create the perfect batch of bbq beans.
Step 1: Soak the Beans
Before you can cook the beans, you need to soak them. Soaking the dried beans not only softens them but also helps them cook more evenly.
- Soak Overnight: Place the beans in a large bowl, and cover them with 6 cups of water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the quick-soak method:
- Quick Soak Method: Boil the beans in water for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit, covered, for 1 hour.
Once the beans have soaked, drain and rinse them.
Step 2: Cook the Beans
Next, place the soaked beans in a large pot, cover them with fresh water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once the water boils, reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface, and then cover the pot, leaving the lid slightly askew.
Simmer the beans for about 1 to 1.5 hours until they’re tender but still slightly firm. Be sure to check the beans occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep the beans submerged.
Once the beans are cooked, drain them, saving some of the cooking water for later. You’ll use this water to adjust the thickness of the sauce later on.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon and Sauté the Onion
While your beans are cooking, you can prepare the bacon and onion.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon or pancetta over medium heat until it’s crispy and browned. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and chop it into small pieces.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Use the bacon fat in the skillet to sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a large Dutch oven or casserole dish, combine the cooked beans, bacon pieces, sautéed onion and garlic, and all the sauce ingredients: brown sugar, molasses, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
Mix everything well until the beans are evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a bit of the reserved cooking water from the beans to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 5: Bake the Beans
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Cover the Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil, and bake the beans for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Every 30 minutes, check on the beans and stir them. Add a little more reserved cooking water if needed to prevent the beans from drying out.
After 1.5 to 2 hours, the beans should be thick and rich, with a deep, flavorful sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Your Baked Beans
Baked beans are an incredibly versatile dish that pairs well with many different meals. Whether you enjoy them as a side, a topping, or the main event, here are some great serving ideas:
Traditional Ways to Serve Baked Beans:
- Full English Breakfast: Serve baked beans with eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, and toast for a classic English breakfast.
- On Toast: A simple and satisfying way to enjoy baked beans is by piling them on buttered toast. Add some grated cheese for extra richness.
Other Meal Ideas:
- Chicken and Beans: Serve bbq beans alongside pan-fried chicken for a flavorful and easy meal.
- Sausage and Beans: Sauté smoked sausages and add your baked beans for a hearty one-pot dinner. Toss in some spinach for an extra touch.
- Stuffed Potatoes: Bake potatoes and stuff them with baked beans and melted cheese for a filling dinner.
Creative Presentations:
- Individual Ramekins: Serve baked beans in individual ramekins with a dollop of sour cream and fresh chives for a fancy touch.
- Emergency Nachos: Top corn chips with baked beans, melted cheese, and any other toppings you like for a quick, comforting snack.
Bread for Dunking:
Pair your homemade baked beans with any of the following bread recipes:
- World’s Easiest Yeast Bread
- No Yeast Sandwich Bread
- Soft No Knead Dinner Rolls
- Savoury Cheese Muffins
Pairing Suggestions:
- Grilled Sausages: These beans pair perfectly with grilled sausages for a complete, satisfying meal.
- Green Salad: Serve baked beans with a fresh, crisp salad for a refreshing contrast.
Recipe Notes and Tips
Bean Selection:
If navy beans (haricot beans) aren’t available, you can substitute with other small-to-medium beans such as cannellini beans or butter beans. Just keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly.
Adjusting Sauce Thickness:
If the sauce is too thin after baking, simmer the beans uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Conversely, if it’s too thick, add a little more of the reserved cooking water from the beans to reach the desired consistency.
Chicken Stock vs. Vegetable Stock:
For a richer, more complex flavor, use chicken stock. However, vegetable stock is an acceptable alternative for a vegetarian version.
Storage:
Store your homemade baked beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Conclusion: Give This Heinz Baked Beans Recipe a Try!
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making baked beans, it’s time to enjoy the delicious, homemade flavor of bbq beans. Whether served on toast, as part of a full breakfast, or as a side dish for dinner, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.