This baked beans recipe tastes so similar to Heinz it’s almost scary. On the other hand, homemade baked beans don’t taste fake, and the sauce isn’t slimy, which is something I hate about canned baked beans!
These British baked beans can be made with dried or canned beans. Quick and easy, very economical and utterly addictive!.
Baked beans are a beloved dish across many cultures With their rich, molasses-based sauce and tender, creamy beans, they make for the ultimate comforting meal But when you dig into a warm bowl of baked beans, have you ever wondered exactly what kind of beans are used to create this iconic food?
At my food blog, we decided to take an in-depth look at the beans that form the foundation of baked beans Read on as we uncover the origins of baked beans, the most common types of beans used, and some expert tips for choosing the best beans to make your own homemade baked beans
A Brief History of Baked Beans
While baked beans are now considered an American classic, they actually originated in Native American cooking. Indigenous tribes would slow-cook beans in covered earthenware pots buried in hot ashes or coals. European settlers then adapted this technique, baking beans for long hours in heavy iron pots or ceramic bean pots.
Baked beans grew in popularity in England in the 1700s and 1800s The dish gained more flavor thanks to the addition of pork, salt, molasses, and onions Immigrants later brought recipes for baked beans with them to America, where Boston became especially renowned for its savory baked bean dishes.
The Most Common Beans for Making Baked Beans
When it comes to what kind of beans baked beans are made from, a few key varieties stand out as the most traditional choices.
Navy Beans
Also known as Yankee beans or pea beans, navy beans are the most classic choice for baked beans. Their small size, oval shape, and creamy white color make them ideal. Navy beans become soft and silky when baked long and slow, perfectly complementing the rich sweet sauce.
Great Northern Beans
Similar to navy beans, great northern beans are another excellent option. They share the same petite size, oval shape, and smooth texture of navy beans. Their bright white color makes them visually appealing in a baking dish as well.
Pinto Beans
While not as traditional as navy or great northern beans, pinto beans are commonly used to make baked beans. When baked, pintos become wonderfully soft while still maintaining their shape. Their pinkish-brown color also delivers visual appeal.
Kidney Beans
Their larger size and distinct kidney shape make red kidney beans different from the first three beans mentioned. But they still work well in baked bean recipes, offering great taste and nutrition. Just be sure to boil them first to remove toxins before baking.
Tips for Choosing the Best Beans
To achieve the classic baked bean flavor and texture you love, keep these tips in mind:
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Opt for smaller beans like navy, great northern, or pea beans. Their dainty size makes them perfect for baking whole.
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Soak the beans to rehydrate them before baking. This helps them become tender and absorb flavor.
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Flavor the bean liquid with onions, garlic, salt, brown sugar, and mustard or tomato paste. This adds taste and keeps the beans from drying out.
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Don’t let the beans boil during baking. Low, even heat ensures they cook through without getting mushy.
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Bake uncovered to allow excess liquid to reduce to a syrupy sauce.
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Stir the beans gently during baking to coat them in sauce.
Homemade Baked Beans Done Right
When armed with the right kind of beans and techniques, you can whip up a batch of baked beans just as flavorful as the canned versions you grew up with. Focus on small white beans like navy or great northern beans for an authentic baked bean experience. Then feel free to add your own twists with different seasonings, meats, or secret ingredients.
At my food blog, we’ve tested all sorts of baked bean recipes and variations over the years. Check out our site for how-tos on making classic baked beans from scratch. We’ll provide all our tips for baking up the perfect pot of these timeless beans. Just be sure to make a big batch—because these irresistible beans will go fast once word gets out!
Frequency of Entities:
Navy Beans: 6
Great Northern Beans: 3
Pinto Beans: 2
Kidney Beans: 2
Canned vs dried beans
You can make this baked beans recipe with dried or canned beans. The base recipe uses dried beans because:
- As far as I know, you can only get dried navy beans or haricot beans here in Australia, not in a can.
- You can change the texture and taste of dried beans by cooking them. Because they sit in liquid, canned beans are always swollen, making them a bit soft.
What you need to make baked beans from scratch
Here’s what you need to make baked beans from scratch:
This is how your Baked Beans are made | Catalyst
FAQ
What type of beans are used in baked beans?
What type of beans are Bush’s baked beans?
What kind of beans are baking beans?
What type of bean are most commercial baked beans made from?
What kind of beans are used to make baked beans?
The primary type of bean used to make baked beans is the navy bean, also known as the Boston bean or pea bean. These small, oval-shaped white beans have a mild flavor and a creamy texture that makes them perfect for baking.
What type of beans should one eat?
The most healthy beans are chickpeas, lentils, peas, kidney beans, black beans, soybeans, pinto beans, and navy beans. They contain a lot of fiber and proteins.
What are baked beans?
Baked beans are a dish traditionally containing white common beans that are parboiled and then baked in sauce at low temperature for a lengthy period. [ 1] Canned baked beans are not baked, but are cooked through a steam process. [ 2] Baked beans occurred in Native American cuisine, and are made from beans indigenous to the Americas. [ 3]
Are baked beans made from scratch?
The best baked beans made from scratch! Baked beans are an American staple. The combination of sweet, savory and smoky flavors makes them irresistibly delicious. Making your own homemade baked beans from scratch is easier to make than you may think, you just need to set aside enough cooking time.