The Best Sweet & Sour Baked Beans Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings
Description:
This irresistible Sweet & Sour Baked Beans recipe is a true family favorite that has stood the test of time. Inspired by my auntโs secret recipe, this dish was one I didnโt enjoy until I tasted it prepared in this unique way. Itโs a fantastic dish that offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, making it the ideal side dish for your summer barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibilityโwhether you’re cooking it with bacon for that delicious smoky flavor or prefer a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon, this dish will still be a hit! The combination of beansโlima beans, butter beans, and kidney beansโmixed with brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and a little bit of bacon (optional) creates a complex flavor profile that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onions | 2 |
| Bacon (optional for vegetarian version) | 8 slices |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Dry mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Butter beans (or substitute with other beans) | 2 cans |
| Lima beans | 1 can |
| Dark red kidney beans | 1 can |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 648.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 16.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 26.4 mg |
| Sodium | 1578.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 104.1 g |
| Fiber | 19 g |
| Sugars | 37.1 g |
| Protein | 24.1 g |
Instructions:
-
Fry the bacon: In a large skillet, fry the bacon until it becomes crisp and browned. Remove from the skillet, drain on paper towels, and crumble the bacon into small pieces. If making a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and proceed with the next steps.
-
Prepare the sauce: Using the bacon grease in the pan, add the chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once the onions are softened, stir in the brown sugar, dry mustard, salt, and vinegar. Mix thoroughly until the sugar dissolves and everything is well combined.
-
Cook the mixture: Once the mixture is well-blended, cover the skillet and allow it to simmer on the stovetop for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together nicely.
-
Prepare the beans: While the sauce is cooking, drain all the beans except the pork and beans. This is important to prevent the dish from becoming too watery. Make sure to reserve the pork and beans in their liquid.
-
Combine the beans and sauce: After draining the beans, add them to the cooked onion mixture and stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Pour the entire mixture into a 3-quart casserole dish.
-
Bake: Place the casserole dish in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Bake for about 1 hour, or until the beans are bubbly and the top has started to turn a golden brown.
-
Top with bacon: Once the beans are finished baking, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top for that extra crunch and flavor. If you are making a vegetarian version, you can skip this step or add a plant-based alternative.
-
Serve and enjoy: Allow the baked beans to cool slightly before serving. These beans are perfect as a side dish to any meal, especially grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a hearty addition to a picnic or family barbecue. Enjoy the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite!
Tips for Success:
- Make it ahead: You can prepare this dish the day before and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven before topping with bacon.
- Customizing the beans: If you canโt find lima beans or butter beans, feel free to use any type of bean you like, such as navy beans or pinto beans. The key is to mix a variety of beans for texture and flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, feel free to add more brown sugar to taste. For a more tangy flavor, increase the amount of vinegar slightly.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to prepare a delicious, hearty dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. Whether youโre cooking for a crowd or enjoying it as a family meal, these Sweet & Sour Baked Beans are sure to please every palate.
