15 Best Ever Southern Baked Beans Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 27, 2024
When it comes to baked beans, there are a few key ingredients that really make or break the dish. While some may argue that bacon or brown sugar are the key to perfecting this classic Southern side dish, I am here to tell you that there is one ingredient that is often overlooked, but truly brings the flavor to a whole new level: molasses.
If you're looking for a delicious side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, look no further than these mouthwatering Southern baked beans. These beans are slow-cooked to perfection, with a rich and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken.
For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some smoky notes to your baked beans. You can achieve this by using bacon or smoked sausage in your recipe. The result is a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors that will have your taste buds begging for more.
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Smoky Southern Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Ghee, Ground Beef, Medium Onion, Green Bell Pepper
Why settle for one type of bean when you can have a whole quintet? This recipe combines five different types of beans for a hearty and flavorful side dish. The combination of textures and flavors makes for a truly delicious and unique baked bean experience.
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Southern Baked Beans Quintet
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Chopped Onion, Garlic, Butter Beans, Red Kidney
What could be better than a warm and comforting plate of Southern baked beans and cornbread? The sweetness of the cornbread perfectly complements the savory flavors of the beans, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Southern Baked Beans & Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Bacon, Medium Onion, Garlic
Take your baked beans to the next level by adding some sausage to the mix. The smoky and savory flavors of the sausage pair perfectly with the sweet and tangy beans, creating a mouthwatering combination that will leave you wanting more.
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Southern Baked Beans and Sausage
Main Ingredients: Pork Beans, Breakfast Sausage, Yellow Onion, Green
There's nothing quite like a classic recipe straight from Grandma's kitchen. These baked beans are no exception. Made with love and packed with flavors, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner.
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Grandma’s Real Southern Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Bacon Pieces, Roasted Red Pepper, Cider
For a true taste of the South, try these barbecue baked beans. The rich and tangy barbecue sauce adds a delicious twist to the classic baked beans recipe. Serve these up at your next barbecue or cookout and watch them disappear in no time.
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The Very Best Barbecue Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Vidalia Onion, Garlic, Bourbon, Brewed Coffee
Short on time? No problem. These pressure cooker Southern baked beans are the perfect solution. In just a fraction of the time, you'll have a delicious and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken.
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Pressure Cooker Southern Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Dried Navy Beans, Thick Cut Bacon, Apple Cider Vinegar
For a slightly different take on barbecue baked beans, try this recipe that incorporates a variety of spices and seasonings for an extra flavor boost. These beans are sure to be a hit at any summer cookout or family gathering.
If you're a fan of butter beans, you'll love this Southern baked beans recipe. The creamy and buttery texture of the beans pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy flavors of the sauce. This dish is a must-try for any bean lover.
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Southern Lima Beans (Butter Beans)
Main Ingredients: Lima Beans, Smoked Ham Hock, Water, Salt, Black Pepper
Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. These delicious and hearty beans are packed with flavor and make the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. Try them out for a true taste of the South.
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Southern Butter Beans
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Butter, Chicken Bouillon, Salt, Water
No Southern meal is complete without a side of mac and cheese. This baked version takes the classic comfort food to the next level with a crispy and golden top layer that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
For a slightly different take on the classic, try this Southern baked mac and cheese recipe. The addition of bacon and breadcrumbs adds a delicious twist and takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
For a hearty and flavorful side dish, try these cowboy baked beans. Packed with a variety of ingredients like beef, bacon, and chili powder, these beans are sure to be a hit with any meat lover.
For a sweet and tangy twist on traditional baked beans, try adding some bourbon and peaches to the mix. The result is a delicious and unique flavor that is perfect for any summer barbecue or cookout.
For a sweet and savory side dish, try these Southern baked candied yams. The combination of brown sugar and spices creates a delicious glaze that perfectly complements the tender and flavorful yams.
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Cowboy Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Beans, Pork And Beans, Yellow Onions, Yellow Mustard
For a lighter and healthier option, try these Southern green beans. Flavored with bacon, onion, and garlic, these green beans are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
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Bourbon Peach BBQ Baked Beans.
Main Ingredients: Thick Cut Bacon, Cannellini Beans, Pinto Beans
No Southern holiday meal is complete without a sweet potato casserole. This version combines the classic flavors of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and pecans for a delicious and decadent side dish.
This Southern-style corn pudding is a must-try for any corn lover. The creamy and cheesy texture of the pudding makes for a delicious and satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken.
For a taste of the South, try these Southern collard greens. Slow-cooked to perfection with bacon, onion, and spices, this dish is full of flavor and makes the perfect side dish for any meal.
The Secret Ingredient That Makes These Baked Beans the Best Ever
Unleashing the Power of Molasses
Molasses is a thick, dark syrup that is derived from sugar cane or sugar beets. It is commonly used in baking and cooking, and is a staple in Southern cuisine. In this recipe, molasses serves as the base for the perfectly sweet and tangy sauce that coats the creamy, tender beans. Its rich, smoky flavor adds depth and complexity to the dish, elevating it from ordinary to extraordinary.
But molasses is not only about flavor, it also has some impressive health benefits. It is a great source of iron, calcium, and potassium, and is also rich in antioxidants. This makes our Southern baked beans not only delicious, but also a nutritious addition to your meal.
To truly unleash the power of molasses in this recipe, I recommend using a high-quality, unsulphured molasses. This means that it has not been treated with sulfur dioxide, which can give it a harsh, chemical taste. Look for a dark molasses, as it will have a stronger flavor, perfect for our baked beans.
To make sure the molasses is evenly distributed throughout the dish, I like to mix it with the other liquid ingredients before pouring it over the beans. This ensures that every bite is infused with that rich, smoky flavor. And don't skimp on the amount of molasses called for in the recipe. Trust me, it may seem like a lot, but it is what sets these baked beans apart from the rest.
So the next time you are craving some good old-fashioned Southern baked beans, remember the secret ingredient that will make them the best ever: molasses. With its unique flavor and health benefits, it truly takes this classic dish to the next level. Try it for yourself and taste the difference!
Try Our Best Ever Southern Baked Beans Recipe
Now that you know the secret to the best ever Southern baked beans, it's time to put it into action. Here is a simple and delicious recipe that will have your taste buds singing and your guests begging for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried navy beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse and sort the navy beans, removing any debris or stones. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight or for at least 6 hours.
2. Drain and rinse the beans, then transfer them to a large pot. Add 6 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until beans are tender.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the ketchup, molasses, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
5. Drain the beans and place them in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the sauce mixture over the beans and stir to combine.
6. If desired, top with crumbled bacon.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the sauce has thickened and the beans are tender.
8. Serve hot and enjoy your best ever Southern baked beans!
With the smoky and tangy flavors of molasses, this baked beans recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So don't wait any longer, give it a try and taste the difference that this secret ingredient makes. Your taste buds will thank you.
