Southern Style Baked Beans Recipe: Discover a delicious side dish perfect for BBQs and family gatherings. This easy-to-make recipe combines baked beans with bacon, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and mustard for a flavorful, hearty dish. Serve warm and watch it become a favorite at any event.
Ingredients for Southern Style Baked Beans
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 (28 oz) cans baked beans with bacon
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 5-6 slices thick cut bacon, diced into ½-inch pieces
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat Your Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your baked beans will cook evenly and develop that perfect, rich flavor.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents the beans from sticking to the dish and makes for easy cleanup later.
3. Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the baked beans with bacon, ketchup, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well incorporated. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, flavorful sauce that enhances the beans.
4. Pour into Baking Dish
Pour the bean mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This allows the beans to cook uniformly and ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
5. Add the Bacon Topping
Evenly distribute the diced bacon pieces over the top of the beans. As the beans bake, the bacon will crisp up and add a delicious smoky flavor and texture to the dish.
6. Bake the Beans
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 60-90 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking around the 60-minute mark. You’ll know the beans are ready when the bacon is crispy and the sauce is bubbling and thickened.
7. Serve Warm
Once the beans are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These Southern Style Baked Beans are best enjoyed warm and make a perfect side dish for any meal.
Why You’ll Love Southern Style Baked Beans
Southern Style Baked Beans are a versatile dish that can complement a variety of main courses. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a comforting side dish, these baked beans are a fantastic choice. The combination of sweet brown sugar, tangy mustard, and smoky bacon creates a depth of flavor that is both satisfying and irresistible.
Perfect for Gatherings
These baked beans are ideal for potlucks, family reunions, and other gatherings. They can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them a convenient option for busy cooks.
Easy to Make
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is accessible even for novice cooks. The hardest part is waiting for the beans to bake, as the delicious aroma fills your kitchen.
Customizable
Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste. You can add a bit of spice with some chili powder or hot sauce, or make it sweeter with a touch more brown sugar. The possibilities are endless, and you can adjust the flavors to create your perfect version of Southern Style Baked Beans.
Pairs Well with Many Dishes
These beans pair wonderfully with grilled meats, burgers, hot dogs, and more. They add a rich, hearty element to any meal and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute with other types of beans like navy beans or pinto beans. Just be aware that the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon alternative. You might also want to add a bit of liquid smoke to retain that smoky flavor.
3. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover baked beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
4. Can I freeze baked beans?
Yes, you can freeze baked beans. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
5. What can I serve with Southern Style Baked Beans?
These beans are a great side dish for barbecued meats, burgers, coleslaw, cornbread, and more. They also pair well with grilled vegetables for a hearty vegetarian meal.
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