Aunt Sally Sampson'S Baked Beans
A hearty and savory baked beans dish featuring tender Great Northern beans, smoky bacon, and sweet brown sugar—perfect for family dinners or outdoor cookouts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the can of beans and add to the bean mixture along with about a cup of water.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until the beans are tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider sautéing the chopped onion in the bacon fat before adding it to the beans. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute Great Northern beans with navy beans or cannellini beans. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste, and feel free to add a splash of barbecue sauce for a smoky touch. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the onions.
Serving Suggestions
These baked beans are perfect as a hearty side dish at barbecues or potlucks and pair beautifully with grilled meats. Consider serving them alongside cornbread for a complete meal. They also complement dishes like A.M. Sausage Bake or can be enjoyed as a filling snack with crusty bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the beans seem dry, add a splash of water to restore their consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Sally Sampson'S Baked Beans contains roughly 177 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1973mg per serving (86% 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 use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak them overnight and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Cook the soaked beans in water until tender before mixing with the other ingredients, and then follow the baking instructions.
How can I make these baked beans spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the mixture. You can also mix in some hot sauce or chili powder, depending on your spice preference, for a kick that complements the sweetness of the beans.
Can I prepare the beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bean mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake them the next day. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making them even more delicious when served.
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).