Keith'S Baked Beans

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Hearty baked beans with sweet apples, molasses, and barbecue sauce, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings with rich, sweet, and smoky flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 6 cups navy beans (after soaking and cooking)
  • 2 large cooking apples, cored and cubed
  • 4 tablespoons oleo
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 to 1 cup barbecue sauce (any brand/flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 or 2 onions, chopped finely

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large roaster and mix well.
  2. Bake at 400°F for 1 hour.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using smoked barbecue sauce or adding a pinch of liquid smoke. If you don't have navy beans, great northern beans can be a suitable substitute. You can also adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown and white sugar to your taste. Adding a dash of cayenne pepper can give the dish a delightful kick, complementing the sweetness. This recipe is versatile; for a vegan version, simply replace oleo with a plant-based butter.

Serving Suggestions

These baked beans make a delicious side dish for barbecued meats, such as Barbecued (Baked) Ribs, or can serve as a hearty main course with a side of cornbread. For a complete meal, pair them with a fresh Cabbage Salad(3 Week Cole Slaw) to balance the sweetness. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color and freshness on the plate.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience. If the beans seem dry, add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce to moisten them before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Keith'S Baked Beans contains roughly 294 calories, with 3g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value) and potassium (10% of the Daily Value).

294 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.3g 7% DV
Total Fat 3.3g 4% DV
Carbs 64.6g 23% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 56.2g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 153.3mg 7% DV
Potassium 451.7mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 3.4mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.1mcg
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 104.7mg 8% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned navy beans to save time. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the roaster. Reduce the baking time to about 30 minutes since the beans are already cooked. However, using dried beans will give a better texture and flavor to the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the baked beans a day in advance. Simply mix the ingredients and store them covered in the refrigerator. On the day you plan to serve, bake them in the oven as directed, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time if they are chilled.

What can I add for extra flavor?

You could add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a bit of heat and depth. For a smoky flavor, consider incorporating some cooked bacon or smoked sausage. Alternatively, a splash of apple cider vinegar can provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the baked beans.

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).

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