Sweet And Hot Baked Beans
Sweet and hot baked beans combine smoky bacon, spicy jalapeños, and a sweet barbecue glaze for a hearty, flavorful side perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or comfort food gatherings. The dish offers a bold balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain part of the juice off the pork and beans.
- Finely chop the bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, and bacon.
- Add the chopped vegetables and bacon to the beans.
- Mix the remaining ingredients (barbecue sauce, catsup, brown sugar, garlic salt, tomato juice) and add to the beans mixture.
- Pour the mixture into an 8 x 8-inch Pyrex baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly smokier flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the brown sugar to 1 cup. For a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetarian beans. Adjust the jalapeño if you want to control the heat level. This recipe for Sweet And Hot Baked Beans is versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
These Sweet And Hot Baked Beans make a fantastic side dish for summer barbecues, pairing beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches. They also work well as a hearty main course alongside cornbread or coleslaw. For a complete meal, consider serving them with Sloppy Joes or other American recipes. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional chopped jalapeños for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer them to a pot and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a microwave-safe dish, covering it loosely to prevent splattering. If they seem dry, add a splash of tomato juice or water before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Hot Baked Beans contains roughly 499 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 508mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these baked beans ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the baked beans a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover the dish, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake them directly from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.
What can I substitute for the pork and beans?
If you don’t have pork and beans on hand, you can substitute with navy beans or kidney beans. Just make sure to season them well with salt and a bit of smoked flavor to replicate the taste of pork. Canned beans can be drained and rinsed before mixing into the recipe.
How can I make these beans spicier?
To increase the spiciness, consider adding more jalapeños or including a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. You could also mix in some hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick, adjusting to your heat preference.
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).