Baked Beans Recipe: The Shockingly Genius Secret
Remember those summer cookouts where the baked beans recipe was the star? The smoky, sweet, and savory goodness that everyone devoured? What if I told you that achieving that flavor is easier than you think, and involves a secret ingredient that will blow your mind? Forget boring canned beans – get ready to transform your side dish game with this unbelievably delicious recipe, perfect for your next potluck or BBQ!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Navy Beans (dried) | 1 lb |
Water | 8 cups |
Bacon (thick-cut) | 8 oz |
Onion (yellow, chopped) | 1 medium |
Brown Sugar (packed) | 1/2 cup |
Molasses | 1/4 cup |
Ketchup | 1/4 cup |
Yellow Mustard | 2 tbsp |
Apple Cider Vinegar | 1 tbsp |
Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tsp |
Chili Powder | 1/2 tsp |
Dry Mustard | 1/4 tsp |
The Shockingly Genius Secret: Coca-Cola | 1/2 cup |
Salt | To taste |
Black Pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Beans
- Rinse the dried navy beans thoroughly.
- Place the beans in a large pot and cover with 8 cups of water.
- Let the beans soak for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for tender **baked beans**.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Onions
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
- In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, reserving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook in the bacon fat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Bake
- Add the drained beans, brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, dry mustard, and the shockingly genius secret ingredient – Coca-Cola! – to the pot with the onions.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the pot.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and transfer it to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C).
- Bake for 3-4 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally during baking. If the beans seem dry, add a little water or broth.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving
- Serve the baked beans hot as a side dish with grilled meats, burgers, or hot dogs.
- They are also a fantastic addition to potlucks and barbecues.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added flavor and visual appeal.
Storage
- Allow the baked beans to cool completely before storing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 350
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 25g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
- Question: Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans? Answer: Yes, you can! Use about 6 (15-ounce) cans of navy beans, rinsed and drained. Reduce the baking time to about 1-1.5 hours, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Question: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Answer: Absolutely! After cooking the bacon and onions, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Question: Can I use different types of beans? Answer: Yes, you can experiment with different types of beans such as Great Northern beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Question: What does the Coca-Cola do for the recipe? Answer: The Coca-Cola adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. It also helps to tenderize the beans.
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