16 Best Southern Baked Beans Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 8, 2024
Baked beans are a classic dish in the southern United States, often served at barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings. This hearty and flavorful side dish is a staple in many households, but not all baked bean recipes are created equal. To truly impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds, you need the best southern baked beans recipe. In this article, we will share a professional and well-organized introduction to this beloved dish, as well as provide you with tips and tricks to elevate your baked beans game. So grab your apron and let's get cooking!
No barbecue is complete without a side of delicious, smoky baked beans. In the South, baked beans are a staple at every outdoor gathering, and for good reason. These beans are rich, hearty, and full of flavor, making them the perfect complement to any main dish. Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout or just looking for a tasty side dish to add to your weeknight dinner, these Southern baked beans will not disappoint.
While traditional Southern baked beans are made with bacon and molasses, there are plenty of variations that add a unique twist to this classic dish. One popular variation is to add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for a little extra protein and flavor. Another twist is to use maple syrup instead of molasses, giving the beans a slightly sweeter taste.
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Smoky Southern Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Ghee, Ground Beef, Medium Onion, Green Bell Pepper
To achieve that signature smoky flavor in your baked beans, you'll want to add a bit of liquid smoke to your dish. Liquid smoke is a concentrated flavoring made from the smoke of real wood, giving your beans that authentic barbecue taste. Just a small amount goes a long way, so be sure to use it sparingly.
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Southern Baked Beans Quintet
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Chopped Onion, Garlic, Butter Beans, Red Kidney
If you can't decide which twist on Southern baked beans to try, why not combine them all? The Southern Baked Beans Quintet includes five different variations of this classic dish, each with its own unique flavor profile. From spicy to sweet, this recipe has something for everyone.
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Southern Baked Beans & Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Bacon, Medium Onion, Garlic
For the ultimate Southern comfort meal, pair your baked beans with a side of homemade cornbread. The sweetness of the cornbread pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the beans, making for a delicious and satisfying meal. Plus, the cornbread serves as the perfect vessel for soaking up all of that delicious bean sauce.
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Southern Baked Beans and Sausage
Main Ingredients: Pork Beans, Breakfast Sausage, Yellow Onion, Green
If you're looking to add a little extra protein to your baked beans, consider adding some sliced sausage to the mix. The smoky and savory flavors of the sausage add depth to the dish and make it a more filling meal. You can use any type of sausage you prefer, but smoked sausage or kielbasa work particularly well with this recipe.
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Grandma’s Real Southern Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Bacon Pieces, Roasted Red Pepper, Cider
For a taste of nostalgia, try making Grandma's baked beans. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is sure to be a hit at any family gathering. It's simple and straightforward, using just a few basic ingredients to create a dish that is full of Southern charm and flavor.
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The Very Best Barbecue Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Vidalia Onion, Garlic, Bourbon, Brewed Coffee
With so many variations of Southern baked beans out there, it's hard to say which one is the best. But this recipe truly lives up to its name and is sure to become a staple in your household. The key to this recipe is using a combination of ketchup and barbecue sauce for a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that perfectly coats the beans.
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Pressure Cooker Southern Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Dried Navy Beans, Thick Cut Bacon, Apple Cider Vinegar
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious batch of Southern baked beans, consider using a pressure cooker. This recipe takes just 30 minutes to make and results in tender, flavorful beans that taste like they've been cooking all day. Plus, the pressure cooker helps to infuse the beans with all of the delicious flavors in a fraction of the time.
For a traditional take on Southern baked beans, try this recipe that uses molasses, bacon, and a touch of mustard for a tangy kick. The molasses gives the beans a rich and caramelized flavor, while the bacon adds a smoky and salty element. And the mustard helps to balance out the sweetness and adds a bit of complexity to the dish.
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Southern Lima Beans (Butter Beans)
Main Ingredients: Lima Beans, Smoked Ham Hock, Water, Salt, Black Pepper
For a different twist on baked beans, try using lima beans (also known as butter beans) instead of the traditional navy beans. These beans have a buttery and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the smoky and sweet flavors in the dish. And because they're larger than navy beans, they hold up well in the slow-cooking process.
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Southern Butter Beans
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Butter, Chicken Bouillon, Salt, Water
Butter beans are also a popular side dish in the South, and for good reason. These buttery beans are cooked with bacon, onion, and a touch of brown sugar for a sweet and savory combination that is out of this world. Serve them alongside your favorite barbecue dishes for a true taste of the South.
While black-eyed peas are often enjoyed on New Year's Day for good luck, they make a delicious addition to any Southern meal. These beans are cooked with bacon, onion, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. They're the perfect side dish for any barbecue or can be enjoyed as a main dish with a side of cornbread.
Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food in the South, and when it's baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping, it's even better. This recipe takes the classic mac and cheese to the next level by adding a bit of barbecue sauce and bacon to the mix. It's rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect side dish for any summer cookout.
If you're looking for a healthier take on Southern baked mac and cheese, try this recipe that uses cauliflower as the base for the sauce. The cauliflower adds creaminess and is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. And with a crispy breadcrumb topping, you won't even miss the traditional mac and cheese.
For a hearty and filling side dish, try making cowboy baked beans. This recipe uses a combination of beef and bacon for a meaty and smoky flavor. And the addition of chili powder and cumin gives the beans a bit of a kick. Serve these beans alongside grilled steaks or burgers for a true cowboy-inspired meal.
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Cowboy Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Beans, Pork And Beans, Yellow Onions, Yellow Mustard
For a twist on traditional baked beans, try adding some bourbon and peaches to the mix. The bourbon adds a rich and complex flavor, while the peaches add a touch of sweetness and a bit of texture. These beans are perfect for any summer gathering and pair well with grilled chicken or pork.
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Bourbon Peach BBQ Baked Beans.
Main Ingredients: Thick Cut Bacon, Cannellini Beans, Pinto Beans
No Southern meal is complete without a side of candied yams. These sweet and sticky yams are baked with butter, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon for a delicious and indulgent side dish. They're the perfect accompaniment to any barbecue and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
For a lighter side dish, try making Southern-style green beans. These beans are cooked low and slow with bacon, onion, and a touch of garlic for a flavorful and tender dish. They're the perfect accompaniment to any grilled meat and are a great way to incorporate some vegetables into your barbecue spread.
With so many delicious Southern baked bean recipes to choose from, you're sure to find a favorite that will become a staple at your next barbecue. From traditional recipes to unique twists, these beans are the perfect complement to any meal. So fire up the grill, crack open a cold beer, and get ready to impress your guests with these mouthwatering beer can chicken recipes. Happy cooking!
No backyard barbecue is complete without a side of delicious southern baked beans. These hearty beans are a staple in southern comfort food and have been a family favorite for generations. The perfect blend of sweet and smoky flavors, these baked beans will have your taste buds dancing with every bite.
Looking for a little variety in your baked beans? Try this delicious trio of southern baked beans featuring three different flavor combinations. From classic brown sugar and bacon to a tangy BBQ twist, these three recipes are sure to please any crowd.
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Smoky Southern Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Ghee, Ground Beef, Medium Onion, Green Bell Pepper
For those who love a little extra smoky flavor, these southern baked beans are a must-try. The addition of smoked sausage and chipotle peppers give these beans a delicious kick. Serve them up with some grilled cornbread for the ultimate southern feast.
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Southern Baked Beans Quintet
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Chopped Onion, Garlic, Butter Beans, Red Kidney
For the ultimate southern baked beans experience, try this quintet of delicious recipes. From bourbon peach BBQ to cowboy style, these five unique recipes showcase the versatility of this classic dish. Each one is guaranteed to be a hit at your next cookout.
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Southern Baked Beans & Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Bacon, Medium Onion, Garlic
For a true southern-style meal, pair your baked beans with some homemade cornbread. The combination of the sweet beans and the savory cornbread is a match made in heaven. Plus, leftovers make for a perfect breakfast the next day!
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Southern Baked Beans and Sausage
Main Ingredients: Pork Beans, Breakfast Sausage, Yellow Onion, Green
Take your baked beans to the next level by adding in some smoked sausage. The smoky flavors of the sausage pair perfectly with the sweet beans, making for a mouth-watering dish. Serve it up with some southern green beans for a well-rounded meal.
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Grandma’s Real Southern Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Bacon Pieces, Roasted Red Pepper, Cider
Nothing beats a classic family recipe, and these baked beans straight from Grandma's kitchen are no exception. Made with molasses and mustard, these beans have a rich and authentic flavor that will transport you back in time.
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The Very Best Barbecue Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Vidalia Onion, Garlic, Bourbon, Brewed Coffee
For those who can't get enough barbecue flavor, these baked beans are a must-try. Infused with BBQ sauce and liquid smoke, these beans have a bold and delicious flavor that will have your guests begging for the recipe.
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Pressure Cooker Southern Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Dried Navy Beans, Thick Cut Bacon, Apple Cider Vinegar
Short on time? No problem! These southern baked beans can be made in a pressure cooker for a quick and easy side dish. The pressure cooker helps to infuse the flavors and creates a mouth-watering dish in a fraction of the time.
Take your baked beans to the next level by adding in some barbecue pulled pork. The combination of the tender pork and the sweet beans is a match made in heaven. Serve it up with some southern baked mac and cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Southern Lima Beans (Butter Beans)
Main Ingredients: Lima Beans, Smoked Ham Hock, Water, Salt, Black Pepper
For a delicious and slightly different take on southern baked beans, try using lima beans instead of traditional baked beans. The creamy texture of the beans pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce.
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Southern Butter Beans
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Butter, Chicken Bouillon, Salt, Water
If you're a fan of butter beans, you have to try them in baked bean form. The soft and buttery beans are a perfect match for the sweet and tangy flavors of the sauce. This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone, even those who claim they don't like beans!
For a little extra protein in your baked beans, try using black-eyed peas. The mild and nutty flavor of the peas pairs perfectly with the sweet and smoky sauce. This dish is a great way to switch up your traditional baked beans.
Take your baked beans to the next level by serving them up with some homemade macaroni and cheese. The combination of the sweet beans and the creamy mac and cheese is a match made in heaven. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
For a quick and easy side dish, try this recipe for southern baked mac and cheese. The addition of bacon and green onions gives this classic dish a southern twist. Serve it up alongside some delicious baked beans for the ultimate comfort food feast.
For a hearty and flavorful side dish, try these cowboy style baked beans. With the addition of ground beef and chili powder, these beans have a delicious and slightly spicy kick. Serve them up with some cornbread muffins for a complete meal.
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Cowboy Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Beans, Pork And Beans, Yellow Onions, Yellow Mustard
For a unique and delicious twist on traditional baked beans, try this recipe featuring bourbon and peaches. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors will have your taste buds dancing with every bite. Plus, the bourbon gives these beans an extra kick!
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Bourbon Peach BBQ Baked Beans.
Main Ingredients: Thick Cut Bacon, Cannellini Beans, Pinto Beans
No southern feast is complete without some delicious candied yams. The sweet and sticky yams pair perfectly with the savory flavors of the baked beans. This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
For a lighter side dish, try these simple and delicious southern green beans. The combination of bacon and onions gives these beans a savory and flavorful twist. Serve them up alongside your favorite southern dishes for a well-rounded meal.
Whether you're a fan of classic baked beans or looking to try something new, these top 20 beer can chicken recipes are sure to satisfy your craving for southern comfort food. With a variety of flavors and unique twists on traditional dishes, these recipes are guaranteed to be a hit at your next cookout or family gathering. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy some delicious southern-style food with your loved ones.
The Secret to the Best Southern Baked Beans Recipe
When it comes to making the perfect batch of southern baked beans, the secret lies in the sauce. While some may opt for store-bought canned beans, the true star of the dish is the homemade sauce that infuses the beans with layers of flavor. To achieve the best results, it's important to use high-quality ingredients and take the time to let the flavors develop. The end result will be a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet sauce that will have your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients Matter
The key to a delicious southern baked beans recipe is using the right ingredients. Onion, garlic, and bacon are essential for adding depth and savory notes to the dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and balances out the smoky flavors. Canned pork and beans provide a convenient and flavorful base, while tomato paste adds a rich depth of flavor. For a little kick, chili powder or hot sauce can be added to taste.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
While it may be tempting to rush through the cooking process, the best southern baked beans are made with time and patience. Letting the beans simmer on low heat allows the flavors to fully develop and makes for a more tender and flavorful dish. It's important to stir occasionally and avoid boiling, as this can break down the beans and result in a mushy texture. Trust us, the wait will be worth it in the end.
Customize to Your Taste
One of the best things about the southern baked beans recipe is its versatility. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and add your own personal touch. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon and add in smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor. For a sweeter version, try adding molasses or honey. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and make it your own.
Now that you have the inside scoop on the best southern baked beans recipe, it's time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. With a little time and effort, you'll have a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. And don't forget to save some for yourself, because these beans are sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!
