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To make the best baked beans, you need a few key ingredients. First, dried navy beans are ideal. They are small and creamy, perfect for baking. You can also use great northern beans or cannellini beans. These beans hold their shape well and soak up flavors nicely.

The Best Baked Beans

Ready to make the best baked beans ever? This deliciously simple recipe will take you through the must-have ingredients and easy steps to create a comforting dish everyone loves. Discover how to perfectly cook your beans from scratch and elevate them with tasty tweaks! Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, your homemade baked beans will steal the show. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups dried navy beans (or any white beans), soaked overnight

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

4 slices of bacon (optional for added flavor)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

    Drain the soaked beans and rinse them under cold water. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain again and set aside.

      In a large oven-safe pot (or Dutch oven), cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and let it cool on a paper towel, leaving the drippings in the pot. (Skip this step if you prefer a vegetarian option.)

        Add diced onion, garlic, and green bell pepper to the pot with bacon drippings. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

          In a large bowl, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Blend well.

            Stir the cooked beans into the sautéed vegetables in the pot. Add the sauce mixture and crumble the bacon into the pot, then mix everything together.

              Cover the pot with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the sauce is bubbling and thickened. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water.

                For the last 15 minutes of baking, uncover and let the beans caramelize slightly on top for added texture.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve warm in individual bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or chives. Pair with crusty bread or cornbread for a delightful meal!