Harlequin Baked Beans
Harlequin Baked Beans is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring a medley of beans in a savory, sweet bacon-based sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut bacon into small pieces and brown in a skillet.
- Add sliced onion, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, and mustard to the bacon; simmer for 20 minutes.
- Drain lima beans, butter beans, and red kidney beans.
- Place all beans in a casserole or bean pot.
- Pour the bacon mixture over the beans and stir lightly.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the bacon mixture. You can substitute any of the beans with your favorites, like pinto or black beans, to customize the dish. If you like a kick, add some diced jalapeños. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Harlequin Baked Beans are perfect as a hearty side dish for barbecues or family gatherings and pair beautifully with grilled meats like Grilled Pork Tenderloin. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or cornbread for a complete meal. They also make a great addition to any potluck table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the beans in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through or microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may want to add a splash of water or broth if they seem too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Harlequin Baked Beans contains roughly 579 calories, with 13g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 7g 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 dried beans instead of canned ones?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but they will require soaking and cooking beforehand. For this recipe, you would need to soak the beans overnight, then boil them until tender before proceeding with the rest of the recipe. This adds a little more time to your prep but can enhance the flavor.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, you can incorporate diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the bacon mixture. Another option is to sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it overnight. Just remember to allow it to come to room temperature before baking, or adjust the cooking time accordingly. This is a great way to save time on busy days.
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).