Finger-Lickin' Good Baked Beans: A BBQ Side Dish Delight
When it comes to a lip-smacking BBQ spread, no meal is
complete without a hearty serving of baked beans. This classic side dish has
been a beloved staple of outdoor gatherings, picnics, and cookouts for
generations. With their rich, smoky flavor and irresistible combination of
tender beans and sweet sauce, baked beans perfectly complement grilled meats
and add a touch of comfort to any BBQ feast. In this blog post, we'll guide you
through a foolproof recipe for homemade baked beans that will have your taste
buds singing with joy.
Ingredients:
- 2
cups dried navy beans
- 1
onion, finely chopped
- 4
cloves of garlic, minced
- 1
cup ketchup
- 1/2
cup molasses
- 1/4
cup brown sugar
- 2
tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2
tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2
tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1
tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1
teaspoon chili powder
- 1
teaspoon salt
- 1/2
teaspoon black pepper
- 4
cups water
- 4
slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare
the beans:
- Rinse
the dried navy beans under cold water, removing any dirt or debris.
- In
a large pot, add the beans and cover with water. Bring to a boil over
high heat for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Let the beans soak for 1
hour. Drain and rinse again.
- Cook
the beans:
- In
the same pot, combine the soaked beans with 4 cups of fresh water. Bring
to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1
hour or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Skim off any foam that
forms on the surface while cooking.
- Prepare
the sauce:
- In
a separate saucepan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the
chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent
and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Create
the flavor base:
- Stir
in the ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire
sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black
pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Combine
the beans and sauce:
- Add
the cooked and drained beans to the saucepan with the flavor base. Stir
gently until the beans are coated with the sauce.
- Bake
the beans:
- Preheat
your oven to 325°F (163°C). Transfer the bean mixture into a large baking
dish or Dutch oven. If desired, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top for an
extra touch of flavor.
- Cover
the dish with aluminum foil or a lid and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for 2 to 3 hours, or until the sauce has thickened, and the flavors
have melded together. Check the beans occasionally and stir gently to
ensure they cook evenly.
- Serve
and enjoy:
- Once
the beans are tender and the sauce is thick and bubbly, remove them from
the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to
develop further.
- Serve
the baked beans as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite BBQ
meats, grilled sausages, or cornbread. They also make a delightful
addition to potlucks and summer gatherings.
Homemade baked beans are a quintessential BBQ side dish that
adds a comforting touch to any outdoor meal. With this simple and flavorful recipe,
you'll be able to recreate the magic of traditional baked beans right in your
own kitchen. So fire up the grill, invite your friends and family, and prepare
to delight everyone's taste buds with these finger-lickin' good baked beans.
Enjoy!