Southern Style Baked Beans
Southern Style Baked Beans combine smoky, sweet, and savory flavors with beans and ham, perfect for family gatherings and barbecues craving hearty, flavorful comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 large can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 small package Great Northern beans, cooked
- 1 small can barbecue baked beans ⓘ
- 2 cups diced ham or Spam ⓘ
- 1 large diced onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup catsup ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cube margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all beans and ham or Spam together in a large bowl.
- Cook onion, garlic, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, catsup, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, and margarine on medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked mixture to the bean and ham mixture and stir well.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a little kick. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ham or Spam with smoked tempeh or mushrooms. Using homemade barbecue sauce can elevate the taste further. Make sure to stir the beans occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Southern Style Baked Beans alongside grilled meats or fried chicken for a classic meal. They pair wonderfully with cornbread or a refreshing salad. For a complete feast, consider serving with Dean'S Special for a delightful combination of flavors that will satisfy any crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Style Baked Beans contains roughly 371 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1344mg per serving (58% 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 different types of beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the bean mixture to your liking. Feel free to use black beans or kidney beans along with the suggested varieties. Each type will add its distinct flavor, making the dish even more interesting.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance. Simply mix the beans and sauce, transfer to a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with baked beans?
These baked beans complement a variety of dishes. Consider serving them with grilled sausages, burgers, or hot dogs for a backyard barbecue. They also pair nicely with coleslaw or potato salad for a classic picnic spread.
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).