Go Back
Best Southern Baked Beans with Bacon Recipe taken with iphone 15 pro max --iw 2 --ar 4:5 --v 6.1 --raw

Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon (Southern Style)Nagi

This hearty homemade baked beans recipe combines smoky bacon, tender beans, and a rich, tangy sauce infused with molasses and spices. Perfect for a comforting southern style meal made easy with simple ingredients and oven finishing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil to start that sizzle
  • 150 g chopped bacon for that smoky crunch
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped to soften and sweeten
  • 3 cloves garlic or about 1 ½ teaspoons garlic paste for that punch
  • 3 cans (400g each) red kidney or similar beans drained and rinsed for the perfect texture
  • ¾ cup ketchup adds tang and sweetness
  • ¾ cup tomato passata or puree to boost that rich tomato flavor
  • ¼ cup molasses for that deep, sticky sweetness that ties the sauce together
  • 2 tablespoon cider vinegar for a little zing
  • ¾ cup water to keep things loose but still thick
  • 2 teaspoon mustard powder or a full tablespoon if you use Dijon
  • 1.5 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce brings umami magic
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper kicks it just right
  • ¾ teaspoon salt and pepper about three quarter teaspoon each, with extra to taste at the end

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C or 350°F fan-forced to prepare for oven finishing.
  • Heat the oil in a big ovenproof pot over medium heat until it starts to sizzle.
  • Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp and browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the drained beans, ketchup, tomato passata, molasses, cider vinegar, and water. Stir well to combine evenly.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer on the stove until all comes together.
  • Place the pot in the oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring once or twice until the sauce thickens and beans are tender.
  • Let the beans rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use canned beans for convenience, quick release pressure cooking for perfect texture, and store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.