15 Delicious Dishes You Can Make With Baked Beans

Baked beans are a beloved pantry staple. Their smoky sweet and savory flavor makes them a classic accompaniment to many dishes. But did you know that baked beans can also be used as an ingredient in a variety of recipes beyond just heating and serving? With a little creativity baked beans can be incorporated into appetizers, main dishes, sides, and even desserts! Here are 15 delicious ways to use up a can of baked beans beyond just spooning them onto a plate.

Appetizers and Snacks

Baked beans make a savory and satisfying base for appetizers and snacks Try these tasty baked bean starters

• Baked Bean Dip – Blend together baked beans, cream cheese, salsa, and spices for a creamy, bean-packed dip. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.

• Baked Bean Rolls – Spread baked beans on flour tortillas and roll up with shredded cheese, salsa, and avocado for hand-held bean rolls.

• Baked Bean Nachos – Layer tortilla chips with baked beans, shredded cheese, tomatoes, jalapeños and sour cream for loaded nachos.

• Baked Bean Crostini – Top toasted baguette rounds with baked beans, crumbled bacon and green onions for an easy crostini.

Main Dishes

Baked beans make a nutritious, protein-packed addition to main dishes. Incorporate them into these hearty baked bean meals

• Baked Bean Chili – Sauté ground beef and veggies, then add kidney beans, baked beans and spices for a meaty, beany chili. Top with cheese and sour cream.

• Baked Bean Casserole – Layer baked beans, cooked ground beef, corn and mashed potatoes in a casserole dish for a hearty baked bean bake.

• Baked Bean Burgers – Mix baked beans into the beef when forming burger patties for moist, beany burgers.

• Baked Bean Meatloaf – Fold baked beans into the ground meat mixture before baking for extra flavor and moisture in meatloaf.

• Baked Bean Quesadillas – Fill tortillas with baked beans, cheese, spinach and seasonings then grill until crispy.

Side Dishes

Baked beans make a satisfying side to serve alongside any meal. Incorporate them into these creative sides:

• Baked Bean Rice – Fold beans into cooked rice with onions, bell peppers and seasonings for a bean-studded rice side.

• Baked Beans and Greens – Sauté collard greens, kale or spinach then mix with baked beans and broth.

• Baked Bean Pasta Salad – Toss cooked pasta with baked beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion and Italian dressing. Chill before serving.

• Baked Bean Potato Salad – Fold baked beans into potato salad along with hard boiled eggs, pickles, onion and mustard.

• Baked Bean Coleslaw – Mix shredded cabbage and carrots with baked beans, vinegar and seasonings for a sweet and tangy bean slaw.

Breads and Breakfast

Don’t forget baked beans at breakfast! Use them in these morning baked bean recipes:

• Baked Bean Strata – Layer bread, baked beans, sausage, cheese and egg mixture then bake into a protein-packed strata.

• Baked Bean Breakfast Tacos – Scramble eggs with baked beans, cheese, and salsa then wrap in tortillas for hearty breakfast tacos.

• Baked Bean English Muffins – Pile baked beans onto toasted English muffins then top with fried eggs and hot sauce for an easy breakfast sandwich.

• Baked Bean Bread or Muffins – Fold chopped baked beans into banana bread or corn muffin batter before baking for moist bean-studded baked goods.

Sweet Treats

Believe it or not, baked beans also work nicely in desserts. Enjoy them in these sweet baked bean treats:

• Baked Bean Brownies – Stir chopped baked beans into brownie batter before baking for fudgy, bean-laced brownies. The beans add moisture without altering the chocolate flavor.

• Baked Bean Cookie Bars – Mix baked beans into the bottom crust of cookie bars before adding a sweet crumbly topping. Beans add chew and texture.

• Baked Bean Milkshakes – Blend vanilla ice cream and milk with a scoop of baked beans, cinnamon and maple syrup for a sweet, savory shake.

As you can see, baked beans are endlessly versatile in the kitchen. Beyond just spooning onto a plate, they can be incorporated into a wide variety of recipes from apps to desserts. So next time you open up a can, look beyond basic side dish options and experiment with baked beans as an ingredient. You may just discover a new favorite way to savor these smoky, sweet and savory beans.

References

• Baked Bean Dip – https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/baked-bean-dip/
• Baked Bean Rolls – https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-baked-bean-summer-rolls-recipes-from-the-kitchn-184551
• Baked Bean Nachos – https://www.spendwithpennies.com/baked-bean-nachos/
• Baked Bean Chili – https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/favorite-baked-bean-chili/
• Baked Bean Casserole – https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/baked-bean-casserole/
• Baked Bean Burgers – https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-burgers-with-a-can-of-beans-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-215721
• Baked Bean Meatloaf – https://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/baked-bean-meatloaf/
• Baked Bean Rice – https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/sweet-bean-rice/
• Baked Bean Pasta Salad – https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/pasta-bean-salad/6a3abc1f-295a-4ee6-a998-47311fa627ae
• Baked Bean Potato Salad – https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/baked-bean-potato-salad/
• Baked Bean Coleslaw – https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/233573/baked-bean-coleslaw/
• Baked Bean Strata – https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/baked-bean-strata-recipe-2119425
• Baked Bean Breakfast Tacos – https://www.thekitchn.com/breakfast-tacos-baked-beans-egg-avocado-23103674
• Baked Bean Bread – https://meaningfuleats.com/the-best-healthy-banana-bread-with-baked-beans/
• Baked Bean Brownies – https://www.Gimmesomeoven.com/baked-bean-brownies/
• Baked Bean Cookie Bars – https://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/baked-bean-cookie-bars-recipe/
• Baked Bean Milkshake – https://www.wideopeneats.com/baked-bean-milkshake/