When it comes to traditional southern cuisine, one dish that always takes center stage is the classic baked beans. This simple and flavorful side dish is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, from backyard barbecues to holiday feasts. But many people are intimidated by the thought of making their own baked beans from scratch, assuming it requires hours of slow cooking and a laundry list of ingredients. However, with this easy southern baked beans recipe, you can enjoy the delicious taste of homemade baked beans in just a fraction of the time. So let's get cooking!
No barbecue or summer cookout is complete without a side of delicious baked beans. And when it comes to Southern-style baked beans, there's no better recipe than this one. Featuring a rich and smoky flavor, these beans are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
If you're looking for a fun twist on traditional Southern baked beans, try adding some bacon or sausage to the recipe. The salty and savory flavors of the meat will complement the beans perfectly, giving them an extra punch of flavor.
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Smoky Southern Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Ghee, Ground Beef, Medium Onion, Green Bell Pepper
If you love a good smoky flavor, then this recipe is for you. The combination of molasses, brown sugar, and smoked paprika creates a rich and smoky sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with every bite.
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Southern Baked Beans Quintet
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Chopped Onion, Garlic, Butter Beans, Red Kidney
Why settle for just one type of bean when you can have a whole quintet? This recipe combines five different types of beans – navy beans, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and great Northern beans – for a flavorful and colorful twist on traditional baked beans.
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Southern Baked Beans & Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Bacon, Medium Onion, Garlic
Baked beans and cornbread go together like peanut butter and jelly. The crispy and slightly sweet cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to the rich and smoky beans. Trust us, you won't be able to resist going back for seconds.
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Southern Baked Beans and Sausage
Main Ingredients: Pork Beans, Breakfast Sausage, Yellow Onion, Green
For a heartier version of Southern baked beans, try adding some sausage to the mix. The salty and savory flavors of the sausage pair perfectly with the sweetness of the beans, creating a delicious and filling side dish.
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Grandma’s Real Southern Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Bacon Pieces, Roasted Red Pepper, Cider
They say nobody makes Southern food like Grandma, and this recipe is proof of that. Passed down through generations, this recipe features all the classic Southern flavors – molasses, bacon, mustard, and vinegar – for a truly authentic taste.
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The Very Best Barbecue Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Vidalia Onion, Garlic, Bourbon, Brewed Coffee
With a title like "The Very Best," you know this recipe means business. Featuring a thick and sticky barbecue sauce, these baked beans are sure to be a hit at any barbecue or potluck. Just be prepared to share the recipe because everyone will be asking for it.
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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 some delicious Southern baked beans, try using a pressure cooker. This recipe cuts down on the cooking time while still locking in all the flavors of traditional baked beans.
For a true taste of the South, try this recipe for Southern barbecue baked beans. The smoky and sweet flavors of the barbecue sauce pair perfectly with the savory beans for a mouth-watering side dish.
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Southern Lima Beans (Butter Beans)
Main Ingredients: Lima Beans, Smoked Ham Hock, Water, Salt, Black Pepper
In the South, lima beans are often called butter beans because of their soft and creamy texture. This recipe combines these delicious beans with a rich and savory sauce for a truly comforting side dish.
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Southern Butter Beans
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Butter, Chicken Bouillon, Salt, Water
If you want to let the flavor of the butter beans shine, try this simple recipe that lets the beans do all the talking. With just a few basic ingredients like butter, garlic, and herbs, you'll have a delicious and wholesome side dish in no time.
Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cooking, and this recipe showcases them perfectly. With the addition of bacon, onion, and peppers, these black-eyed peas are full of flavor and make the perfect side dish for any meal.
If you like a little heat in your food, try adding some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to your black-eyed peas. The spicy kick will take this classic Southern dish to a whole new level.
No list of Southern recipes would be complete without a macaroni and cheese dish. This recipe takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level by baking it with a crispy and golden topping. Trust us, you'll never want to go back to boxed mac and cheese again.
If you want to put a unique spin on traditional mac and cheese, try adding some bacon or sausage to the mix. The salty and savory flavors will take this dish to a whole new level.
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Cowboy Baked Beans
Main Ingredients: Beans, Pork And Beans, Yellow Onions, Yellow Mustard
This recipe for cowboy baked beans is perfect for a campfire or outdoor cookout. Featuring bacon, ground beef, and corn, these beans are a hearty and delicious side dish that will keep everyone coming back for more.
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Bourbon Peach BBQ Baked Beans.
Main Ingredients: Thick Cut Bacon, Cannellini Beans, Pinto Beans
If you want to add a little sweetness and booze to your baked beans, try this recipe for bourbon peach BBQ baked beans. The peach and bourbon flavors mix perfectly with the sweet and savory barbecue sauce for a delicious and unique side dish.
For a sweet and savory side dish, try these Southern baked candied yams. The candied topping adds a crunchy and sweet contrast to the soft and savory yams for a dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Green beans are a staple in Southern cooking, and this simple recipe lets the fresh and crisp flavor of the beans shine. With just a few basic ingredients, you'll have a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs well with any meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
1. Canned Beans
The key to making this recipe quick and easy is using canned beans instead of dried beans. You can use any type of canned beans you prefer, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or navy beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the recipe.
2. Bacon
What's a southern dish without some bacon? For this recipe, you'll need about 6 slices of bacon, diced into small pieces. This will add a smoky and savory flavor to the baked beans.
3. Onion and Garlic
These two ingredients add depth and flavor to the dish. You'll need one small onion, diced, and two cloves of garlic, minced.
4. Brown Sugar
To balance out the savory flavors, you'll need some brown sugar. This will add a touch of sweetness to the baked beans and help create a thick and rich sauce.
5. Spices
To give the baked beans a southern kick, you'll need some spices. This recipe calls for chili powder, paprika, and cumin, but feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking.
6. Ketchup and Molasses
These two ingredients are the secret weapons in this recipe. The ketchup adds a tangy flavor, while the molasses adds a deep, rich sweetness. Trust us, you won't want to skip these.
7. Worcestershire Sauce
This ingredient may seem unexpected, but it adds a depth of flavor that takes these baked beans to the next level. Just a splash will do the trick.
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Using the same skillet with the bacon grease, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they are soft and fragrant.
3. Add the Spices and Brown Sugar
Next, add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir everything together until the spices are well combined.
4. Pour in the Canned Beans
Drain and rinse the canned beans, then add them to the skillet with the onion and spice mixture. Stir everything together until the beans are well coated.
5. Mix in the Ketchup, Molasses, and Worcestershire Sauce
Pour in the ketchup, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce, and stir everything together until the beans are evenly coated in the sauce.
6. Simmer and Serve
Let the beans simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. Serve hot, topped with the crispy bacon pieces.
Now that you have this easy southern baked beans recipe in your arsenal, you can impress your friends and family with a delicious homemade side dish that's sure to be a hit. So next time you're planning a cookout or potluck, skip the store-bought baked beans and whip up this simple and flavorful dish. Your taste buds will thank you.
