Cristy'S Festive Baked Beans
Festive baked beans with sweet, savory flavors, topped with bacon or ham, perfect for holiday gatherings or hearty family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a baking dish, mix beans, brown sugar, chopped onion, sliced mushroom, catsup, chopped carrot, minced garlic, mustard, sherry cooking wine, and chopped green pepper.
- Top the mixture with slices of bacon or ham, with fat trimmed off.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or using smoked paprika. If you don't have sherry cooking wine, white wine or apple cider vinegar can be good substitutes. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or ham and try adding more mushrooms or a scoop of lentils for added texture. Feel free to experiment with different beans like kidney or pinto.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cristy’s Festive Baked Beans as a side dish at your next barbecue or family gathering, as they pair beautifully with B.B.Q. Beef Or Pork. A crisp salad or cornbread complements the dish well, creating a hearty meal. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh garden salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if they appear dry. These baked beans also freeze well, so consider freezing individual portions for easy future meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cristy'S Festive Baked Beans contains roughly 366 calories, with 4g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (59% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans for convenience. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the mixture. Reduce the baking time since canned beans are already cooked; 20-25 minutes should be sufficient to heat everything through.
What kind of beans work best in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for one cup of beans, you can use navy beans, pinto beans, or even black beans. Each variety will give a slightly different flavor and texture, so choose according to your preference or what you have on hand.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To add some heat, consider mixing in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra kick that balances well with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
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).