Light Baked Beans
Light Baked Beans offer a hearty, smoky flavor with tender beans and crispy bacon, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with a comforting, savory profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the beans.
- Cover the beans with 4 cups of water and let stand for 2 hours. Drain.
- Combine the beans and 4 cups of water in a large pan and simmer, covered, for about 1 hour.
- Fry the bacon with chopped onion until bacon is crispy and onion is translucent.
- In a bean pot or ovenproof dish, combine the cooked beans with the liquid, bacon, onion, and the rest of the ingredients including bacon grease.
- Bake the mixture at 350°F for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until beans are tender.
- Stir occasionally, adding water if necessary.
- Remove the cover during the last 30 minutes to brown the top; do not stir.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth instead of water. If you're short on time, you can use canned beans; just reduce the cooking time accordingly. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the flavors. For a bit of heat, consider including diced jalapeños. This dish pairs beautifully with Mother'S Cornbread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked beans as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or BBQ, such as Sweet And Spicy Barbecue Ribs. They also make a great filling for a warm baguette club sandwich. Consider topping with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if they seem too thick. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Light Baked Beans contains roughly 156 calories, with 5g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (208% of the Daily Value), potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. 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 different types of beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with various beans such as navy beans, pinto beans, or even kidney beans. Just keep in mind that different beans may require slightly different cooking times, so adjust accordingly to ensure they are tender.
How can I make these baked beans spicier?
To add heat, include diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper in the mixture. You can also mix in some hot sauce or use a spicier chili sauce to elevate the flavor profile to your liking.
Can I make baked beans ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the baked beans a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them before serving; the flavors will often deepen and improve overnight, making them 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).