19+ Pat's Baked Beans Recipes Unleash Your Inner Chef!

The Classic Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried navy beans, rinsed and picked over
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 pound bacon, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cover the beans with water and let soak overnight.
2. Drain the beans and add fresh water to cover.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 1 hour.
4. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
5. In the same pan, cook the onion and garlic until softened.
6. Add the molasses, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper to the onion mixture. Stir until well combined.
7. Drain the beans and add them to the mixture. Stir to combine.
8. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the cooked bacon.
9. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened.

Why it's the best:

The secret to this recipe lies in the combination of molasses, ketchup, and brown sugar. These ingredients give the beans a rich and sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon. The addition of mustard adds a tangy kick, making this dish a well-balanced and flavorful side for any summer meal.

The Spicy Version

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried pinto beans, rinsed and picked over
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
• 1/4 pound bacon, diced

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cover the beans with water and let soak overnight.
2. Drain the beans and add fresh water to cover.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 1 hour.
4. In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
5. In the same pan, cook the onion, garlic, and jalapeno until softened.
6. In a small bowl, mix the hot sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
7. Add the hot sauce mixture to the onion mixture. Stir until well combined.
8. Drain the beans and add them to the mixture. Stir to combine.
9. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the cooked bacon.
10. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened.

Why it's the best:

If you're a fan of spicy food, this version of Pat's Baked Beans is a must-try. The combination of hot sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar adds a fiery and tangy twist to the classic recipe. The addition of jalapeno adds an extra kick of heat, making this dish a true standout at any potluck.

The Vegetarian Option

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried white beans, rinsed and picked over
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 pound mushrooms, sliced

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cover the beans with water and let soak overnight.
2. Drain the beans and add fresh water to cover.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 1 hour.
4. In a separate pan, cook the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms until softened.
5. In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, tomato paste, and soy sauce.
6. Add the maple syrup mixture to the vegetable mixture. Stir until well combined.
7. Drain the beans and add them to the mixture. Stir to combine.
8. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender and the sauce is thickened.

Why it's the best:

For those looking for a meatless option, this vegetarian version of Pat's Baked Beans is a delicious and satisfying choice. The combination of maple syrup, tomato paste, and soy sauce adds a unique and savory flavor to the dish. The addition of vegetables adds a variety of textures and nutrients, making this dish a well-rounded and healthy choice for any gathering.