Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic comfort food, and this simple yet delicious recipe allows you to make them easily in a slow cooker. With just a few ingredients, the long and slow cooking process maximizes the flavors and results in tender, flavorful baked beans. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, potluck, or looking for a comforting side dish, these baked beans are sure to be a hit.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2½ cups (538 g) dried navy beans
• 6 tablespoons (120 g) molasses
• ¼ cup (60 g) brown sugar
• ¼ pound (115 g) low-sodium bacon
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

PREPARATION:

1. Place the dried navy beans in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the beans to a boil and let them boil for 30 minutes. This initial boiling helps to soften the beans and reduce their cooking time.
2. Drain the beans and transfer them to a slow cooker.
3. Add the molasses, brown sugar, pepper, and low-sodium bacon to the slow cooker with the beans. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook the beans on low heat for 10 hours, stirring every 3 hours or so. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and the beans to become tender.
5. After 10 hours, the baked beans should be rich and flavorful. Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more molasses or brown sugar to taste.
6. Serve the baked beans as a side dish with grilled meats, burgers, or hot dogs. They are also delicious with cornbread or as a topping for baked potatoes.

YIELD: 6 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 56 g water
• 304 calories (25% from fat, 17% from protein, 58% from carbs)
• 13 g protein
• 8 g total fat
• 3 g saturated fat
• 4 g monounsaturated fat
• 1 g polyunsaturated fat
• 45 g carbs
• 8 g fiber
• 21 g sugar
• 219 mg phosphorus
• 105 mg calcium
• 3 mg iron
• 153 mg sodium
• 742 mg potassium
• 11 IU vitamin A
• 2 mg ATE vitamin E
• 0 mg vitamin C
• 21 mg cholesterol

TIPS:

• To add extra flavor to the baked beans, you can sauté the bacon before adding it to the slow cooker. Simply cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, remove it from the pan, and crumble it into the slow cooker with the beans.
• Feel free to customize the recipe to your taste preferences. If you prefer sweeter baked beans, you can increase the amount of molasses or brown sugar. For a smokier flavor, you can add a teaspoon of liquid smoke.
• Leftover baked beans can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Thaw the frozen baked beans in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Consider adding diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños to the baked beans for added flavor and texture.
• Serve the baked beans alongside traditional barbecue fare such as grilled meats, coleslaw, cornbread, and potato salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

These homemade slow cooker baked beans are a delightful comfort food that’s perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or any occasion where you want a flavorful and satisfying side dish. With just a handful of ingredients and a long, slow cooking time, you can achieve a rich and delicious result.

The combination of dried navy beans, molasses, brown sugar, and bacon creates a sweet and savory flavor profile that’s hard to resist. The molasses adds a rich, deep sweetness, while the brown sugar enhances the caramelization and adds a touch of sweetness. The low-sodium bacon provides a smoky and savory note that complements the beans perfectly.

Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop over time, resulting in tender beans that are bursting with flavor. The low and slow cooking process allows the beans to absorb the flavors of the molasses, brown sugar, and bacon, creating a rich and satisfying dish.

These baked beans are versatile and can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, burgers, hot dogs, or as a topping for baked potatoes. They pair well with other classic barbecue fare such as coleslaw, cornbread, and potato salad. The leftovers can be enjoyed for several days, making them a practical and delicious option for meal prep.

To add a personal touch to the recipe, you can customize it according to your taste preferences. If you enjoy sweeter baked beans, increase the amount of molasses or brown sugar. For a smokier flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke or additional bacon.

Furthermore, you can experiment with additional ingredients such as diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños to add more flavor and texture to the baked beans. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply craving a comforting side dish, these slow cooker baked beans are a wonderful choice. They are easy to prepare, require minimal effort, and deliver a satisfying and delicious result. Enjoy the hearty and wholesome flavors of homemade baked beans with this simple and flavorful recipe.