Grammie Jardine'S Baked Beans
Grammie Jardine's Baked Beans offer hearty, smoky flavors with tender beans, onions, and bacon, baked slowly to develop rich, comforting taste perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash beans and pick over.
- Soak overnight in cold water; drain in the morning.
- Cover with water; boil until the skins peel back when you blow on them, about 20 minutes.
- Save the water from boiling.
- Put beans in a pot; add all ingredients except bacon or salt pork and the boiling water.
- Top with bacon or salt pork and pour in the boiling water.
- Cover the pot and bake at 300°F for about 5 to 6 hours, checking every 30 minutes and adding more water if necessary.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mixture of pea beans and kidney beans. If you prefer a sweeter taste, adjust the brown sugar to your liking. You can substitute dark molasses with light molasses or honey, but this will alter the depth of flavor. If you want a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or salt pork and add smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These baked beans pair beautifully with Fried Salt Pork for a classic comfort meal. Serve alongside cornbread or a fresh green salad for a balanced plate. They also complement BBQ dishes, making them perfect for summer gatherings. For a twist, try serving them with Louisiana Style Potato Salad for a hearty spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the beans for up to 3 months, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grammie Jardine'S Baked Beans contains roughly 214 calories, with 6g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2096mg per serving (91% 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 canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Rinse and drain them before adding them to the pot with the other ingredients. Reduce the baking time since the beans are already cooked, baking for about 1.5 to 2 hours should suffice.
What type of molasses should I use?
Dark molasses is recommended for its robust flavor, but if unavailable, you can use light molasses or even maple syrup in a pinch. Keep in mind that using lighter molasses will result in a milder taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beans a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them in the oven before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for an even tastier dish.
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).