The BEST Homemade Baked Beans
I know, what the heck’s wrong with a can of Heinz?! 🤣Literally nothing, I’ve got about 30 cans in my cupboard as we speak. BUT, you honestly can’t beat a batch of homemade baked beans. Not when they taste this darn good anyway 🤪Here’s why you’re gonna LOVE these beans:
Flavour – They have a deep, rich, smoky and spicy flavour. Easy – Incredibly easy to make, minimal prep and all in one pot! Any Occasion – I usually have these for lunch, but they also work great for breakfast and are hearty enough to eat for dinner OR as a side!
Which are the best beans to use for homemade baked beans?
In most store bought canned baked beans haricot/navy beans are used. I prefer larger and more hearty beans, so here I use cannellini beans. Butterbeans are also nice and big, pinto beans also work great too.
Spicy Baked Beans
For me, beans in a rich tomato sauce take on spice so well. It’s tempting to inject spice into things without adding the flavour alongside it. I was quite conscious when developing this recipe to ensure the spice injects flavour too.
What makes these beans ‘spicy’?
Spicy Chorizo – This adds a gorgeous punch of flavour, plus, who doesn’t want crispy pieces of chorizo through their beans?! Chipotle Paste – Chipotle offers a smoky kind of spice that’s carried beautifully in these beans. You can sub chipotle powder.
What are the best seasonings to add?
For this recipe I add smoked paprika and cumin. You really don’t need anything else! These, alongside the onion & garlic really compliment the chipotle and chorizo. I find herbs distracting here so don’t add them either. Again, no need!
How to make homemade spicy beans (quick summary)
Cheesy Baked Beans
Oh come on, you don’t need to be a regular reader of mine to know this was coming 🤣Cheesy beans are a given here. Once you’ve reduced down the beans you can either sprinkle over cheese and pop on the lid until it goes gooey OR Sprinkle over the cheese and pop the pot under the grill and broil so it goes nice and crispy (if your pot is oven safe) OR Simply serve the beans and sprinkle over cheese at the end. Up to you. You could also leave the cheese out, but, cheesy beans?!?!?!?
What’s the best cheese to use?
I like a nice sharp cheddar, but Monterey Jack also works great here.
What can I serve these with?
I usually go for them plonked on a Baked Potato. Beans on toast also works great, but they also work great as a side dish to a main or even as a dish to bring to potlock!
Can these be frozen?
Yup! Just cool and store in a ziplock bag or airtight container, then thaw and heat on the stove or straight in the microwave!
What if I go overboard with the spice?
Consider an extra pinch of sugar and/or a dollop of yogurt or sour cream served at the end! Hey, whilst you’re here why not check out my other recipes?
Delicious Recipes using Beans
Sausage and Bean Casserole (Pinto Beans) Breakfast Burritos (Cannellini Beans) Chilli Con Carne (Kidney Beans) Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas or Roasted Sweet Potato Quesadillas (Black Beans)
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for these homemade baked beans shall we?!
How to make Homemade Baked Beans (Full Recipe & Video)
If you loved this Baked Beans Recipe then be sure to pin it for later! Already made them or got a question? Give me a shout in the comments below and pick up your free ecookbook along the way!
