All American Baked Beans
Hearty and sweet baked beans with smoky bacon, rich molasses, and tangy ketchup, perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or comfort food lovers craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 15 oz. can red kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 15 oz. can great northern beans ⓘ
- 2 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
- 6 tbsp. maple syrup ⓘ
- 15 oz. can black beans
- 6 tbsp. dark molasses ⓘ
- 15 oz. can butter beans ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 15 oz. can Cici beans ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bacon, cubed ⓘ
- 1 c. onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the cubed bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
- Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beans, ketchup, brown sugar, maple syrup, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and cooked onions and garlic.
- Stir in the cooked bacon.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional bacon if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked bacon or a combination of beans, such as navy beans or pinto beans, if you can't find some of the listed varieties. You can also adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup to suit your taste. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the bacon with a smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These All American Baked Beans are perfect for summer barbecues and pair beautifully with Country-Style Sausage Links or alongside burgers. Serve them with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad. They also make a great potluck dish, as they’re hearty and comforting, fitting right in with other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of All American Baked Beans contains roughly 822 calories, with 22g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and potassium (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1674mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the baked beans a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up until baking, cover the dish, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, allow the dish to come to room temperature before baking it in the oven for about an hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can use smoked tempeh or liquid smoke to mimic the bacon flavor. Alternatively, you could sauté mushrooms for an earthy depth. Just be mindful that the overall flavor profile might shift slightly with these changes.
Can I freeze the baked beans?
Absolutely! Baked beans freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a saucepan or microwave, adding a little water if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).