“Sassy Baked Beans”

Yes hundreds of recipes exist for baked beans. But my Sassy Baked Beans recipe is based on my Mom’s version. It took me a while to master the taste of hers because like most things she cooked, no recipe exists. So after many tries to get the taste just right, I think you’re going to love these beans. I think Mom would be proud. It was known in my household if I perfected something and she thought my version was better, I was in charge of that recipe. That was fine with me but her cookin’ always kept you wanting more. These Sassy Baked Beans are sure to become part of your summertime meal plan. To this day, I still miss all her summertime meals and her making all my favorites.

Sassy Baked Beans

So as I share my recipe, keep in mind I used quite a bit of bacon. But the bacon can be omitted but it really works in the recipe because of the smoky flavor it adds. Plus baked beans need a bit of smokey flavor. Especially relevant, however, these beans are not lacking in flavor by any stretch of the imagination. Each ingredient is necessary and you can taste each one in my opinion. Yum-o! for the savory, sweet taste in these beans.

Sassy Baked Beans

Besides bacon which is sautéed first, onion, garlic, and ginger is added to start an incredible flavor profile. The smell in your kitchen will drive you wild. I still don’t understand the magical smell of onions cooking but anyway, let’s continue. You will not need all the bacon fat so be sure to remove all but a couple of tablespoons. Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the rest of the ingredients then pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Bake until beans are thick remove from oven, letting them sit a few minutes before serving. Get the serving spoon ready and a mouthful of deliciousness is before you.

Sassy Baked Beans

You can make Sassy Baked Beans ahead of time and keep refrigerated until needed. I love recipes like this because it makes meal prep easier, saving you time. Don’t we all need more time? That’s a big yes! So fire up the grill and grab your favorite burgers, hot dogs and sausages. Oh yeah, did I mention baked beans go great with potato salad? Checkout my recipes for Fresh Dill Potato Salad or Savory Green Onion Potato Salad to go along with all your BBQ fixins. Happy Summer!

Sassy Baked Beans

 

Sassy Baked Beans

4 slices maple bacon, cut into 1/4-inch slivers

1 large white onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 T. grated fresh ginger

2 cans (15.8 oz.) Cannellini or Great Northern Beans, drained

1/4 cup tomato ketchup

1/4 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite)

1/4 cup robust molasses

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

2 T. Worcestershire sauce

1 T. apple cider vinegar

1 T. prepared yellow mustard

1 T. dry mustard

1/2 t. cayenne pepper

Sea salt and pepper to taste

 

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, fry bacon for 5 minutes until just beginning to brown.

Add in onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until onion is soft. Pour off all but 2 T. bacon fat and remove from heat.

In a large mixing bowl, combine beans, ketchup, barbecue sauce, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, yellow mustard, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Adjust seasonings as needed to taste.

Mix in onion mixture until well combined. Pour beans into a 2-quart baking dish and bake for 45 minutes to one hour until beans are thick.

Let beans sits for 10 minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite sausages, hot dogs, and burgers. Enjoy!