Baked beans

Beans (usually navy or pinto) slow-cooked in a sweet-savory tomato or molasses sauce, sold canned and ready to eat straight from the pot or dressed up on the grill.

Baked beans

Used for

  • barbecue sides
  • cookouts
  • toast (British-style)
  • casseroles

In the kitchen

  • Heat gently on the stove or in the oven.
  • Doctor with extra molasses, mustard, or bacon.
  • Bake uncovered to thicken the sauce.

Picking it at the store

  • Brands vary hugely in sweetness. Check the label if you're serving alongside something already sweet like glazed ham.
  • Vegetarian versions skip the pork/bacon fat some traditional recipes use. Check the label if that matters.

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