These hearty baked beans are a true comfort food classic, combining tender navy beans with crispy bacon and aromatic spices. The sauce is a perfect balance of sweet dark brown sugar, tangy apple cider, and rich molasses, thickened with crushed gingersnaps for a subtle warmth. Slow-baking allows the flavors to meld into a deep, savory-sweet sauce that coats every bean. Ideal for potlucks, summer barbecues, or a cozy weeknight dinner alongside grilled meats or cornbread. The addition of fresh ginger and garlic adds a bright kick that cuts through the richness, making this dish both satisfying and complex. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Fit For A King Baked Beans
Description
These hearty baked beans are a true comfort food classic, combining tender navy beans with crispy bacon and aromatic spices. The sauce is a perfect balance of sweet dark brown sugar, tangy apple cider, and rich molasses, thickened with crushed gingersnaps for a subtle warmth. Slow-baking allows the flavors to meld into a deep, savory-sweet sauce that coats every bean. Ideal for potlucks, summer barbecues, or a cozy weeknight dinner alongside grilled meats or cornbread. The addition of fresh ginger and garlic adds a bright kick that cuts through the richness, making this dish both satisfying and complex. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.Ingredients
Directions
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In a medium skillet over medium heat, fry the chopped bacon until crisp and browned.
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Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
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Discard all but 1 teaspoon of the bacon fat from the skillet.
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Add the chopped onions, minced gingerroot, and minced garlic to the skillet with the reserved fat.
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Stir in the cooked bacon pieces and mix everything thoroughly until the beans are evenly coated.
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Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
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Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and bubble.
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Remove from oven and discard the bay leaves before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 2650.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22.9g36%
- Saturated Fat 5.3g27%
- Cholesterol 10.3mg4%
- Sodium 684.5mg29%
- Total Carbohydrate 500.0g167%
- Dietary Fiber 172.7g691%
- Sugars 87.7g
- Protein 136.8g274%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
The original recipe listed "ketchup" in the directions but not in the ingredients. This recipe uses salsa as listed in the ingredients list for a fresher, zesty flavor profile. If you prefer a classic tomato base, you may substitute 1/2 cup of ketchup for the salsa.
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil for sautéing the onions. You can add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of the bacon.
These beans taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, allow the beans to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the oven.
Great Northern beans can be used as a direct substitute for Navy beans if they are unavailable; they have a similar texture and flavor profile.
If the beans look too thick after baking, stir in a few tablespoons of water or additional apple cider to reach your desired consistency.
