Polly Baked Beans
Hearty baked beans with smoky bacon, sweet molasses, and tangy ketchup create a rich, flavorful dish perfect for family gatherings or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the bacon until crispy; drain and save 6 tablespoons of bacon grease.
- In a saucepan, warm the ketchup, chopped onion, mustard, vinegar, dark brown sugar, King syrup, baking molasses, and bacon grease until hot.
- Stir the cooked bacon into the beans.
- Pour the sauce over the beans in a baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F until the desired thickness, about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot, with the dish remaining juicy and flavorful.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute the bacon with smoked turkey or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. Use any variety of beans you have on hand; Great Northern beans can be swapped with navy or cannellini beans for similar results.
Serving Suggestions
These baked beans are perfect for BBQs and picnics, pairing beautifully with Honey And Herb Grilled Pork or served alongside cornbread for a comforting meal. They also make a great side for burgers or hot dogs. Consider garnishing with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Alternatively, reheat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Polly Baked Beans contains roughly 317 calories, with 15g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1665mg per serving (72% 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 dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried beans! Soak them overnight and cook until tender before adding them to the recipe. Be sure to adjust the baking time as dried beans may require longer to absorb the flavors from the sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper in with the other seasonings to elevate the flavor profile and give it a kick.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beans and sauce a day in advance, then combine them and bake when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the dish even more delicious. Just be sure to store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
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).