Best Ever Lima Bake
A hearty baked lima bean dish with smoky bacon, sweet molasses, and tangy catsup, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp and remove, breaking into small pieces.
- Cook minced onion and celery gently in bacon fat until golden, but not brown.
- Add cooked lima beans, cooking liquid, catsup, molasses, salt, pepper, mustard, and bacon bits to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased shallow 1 1/2-quart casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour or more until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a bit of smoked paprika or using smoked bacon. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with olive oil and add some liquid smoke for depth. You can also use black beans or cannellini beans if lima beans are unavailable. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of molasses based on your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Lima Bake is hearty and pairs well with a side salad like Kay'S Vegetable Salad for freshness. For a full meal, serve alongside cornbread or steamed vegetables. It’s also delicious with a drizzle of honey on top, making it a perfect accompaniment to dishes like Honey Glaze Ham.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Ever Lima Bake contains roughly 218 calories, with 12g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (108% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1627mg per serving (71% 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 lima beans instead of cooked ones?
Yes, you can use dried lima beans, but you will need to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe. This will ensure they are fully cooked and flavorful in the bake.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is inherently gluten-free as long as you check the catsup and mustard labels to ensure they do not contain any gluten. Most brands offer gluten-free options that work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it the next day when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
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).