What makes these beans British?
Baked bean originated in the U.S. American-style baked beans are cooked with pork (bacon) molasses and brown sugar and the sauce is sweet and thick. These British-style beans are without meat, with a thinner tomato sauce along with a few flavor enhancers.
They are probably one of the most common (if not the) canned items to buy in England. They are an easy, saucy side for any dish from fish and chips, sausage rolls, beans on toast (the perfect budget meal) to even breakfast. Yes, Brits eat beans for breakfast because the country is known for its full English breakfast consisting of sunny-side up eggs, bacon, cooked tomato slices, black pudding and fried bread.
Everyone loves good baked beans, they really go with just about anything and good homemade baked beans start with dried beans, not canned. Dried beans just have better texture. If you used canned for this recipe they would be mush by the end of the recipe. It takes longer using dried beans but no extra work because they are soaked overnight so they cook faster. Once they are soaked, they are then simmered in boiling water for 45 minutes to 1 hour until tender. While they cook, onions, celery, carrot and garlic are sautéed, then crushed tomatoes, ketchup and seasonings are added and the sauce is simmered to develop the flavors. To get a nice smooth sauce blended and the beans added and the entire dish is baked in the oven for 20 minutes. That’s all there is to easy, tasty homemade baked beans, British style.
These beans will keep refrigerated in a sealed container for 3-4 days or frozen for 1-2 months.
This British baked beans recipe first appeared on Food Fanatic where I am a contributor.
Oh, I do love homemade baked beans – and a good pie – yum – I guess that’s the Kiwi in me:)
Your baked beans sound incredible. This recipe is worth stepping away from the can! Thanks Janette.
Thank you KC. These really do taste so much better than canned, I was very pleased with them, so was my husband 🙂
I love baked beans, but I’m a bit embarrassed to say I’ve never made my own – that’s right, I’ve only had them from a can. I know… it’s shameful. This recipe looks so delicious, you’ve inspired me to make my own. I have all of the ingredients in my pantry – looks like I’ll be soaking beans tonight 🙂
These look so much better than canned! Definitely a recipe I will have to try! My husband LOVES baked beans!! #client
Oh, Janette, this recipe is getting pinned immediately! My husband will love you if I make him these homemade beans (he loves beans and made us a bean and cheese toastie today … mmm!) Really keen on trying these! Especially love that you added bacon.
I love baked beans.. this sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Baked beans are so good and I have never tried making them homemade. Perfect to pair with a warm pot pie on cold days! #client
I love this recipe. Growing up, we would eat baked beans and toast on Friday nights. We would groan at the site of the beans, but, my parents insisted that they are good for us. I will be making these beans on recipe on Friday nights.
I just love baked beans. There is just something about the sweet and savory together. Yours look incredible!
Homemade is always better! And paired with your English breakfast… I’m drooling just thinking about it! My husband would totally go nuts for this dish.
I love baked beans, but have never made them myself. Being vegetarian, I always have a hard time picking something that is without meat. Love your explanation about how the British Baked Beans are different from the US ones. Now I know vegetarians have to go the British way when making the baked beans. Great recipe and thanks for sharing!
Oh yum! I’m saving this one. I really need to make more beans at home!
I do love my tinned beans, but I bet these would give them a run for their money! Yum!
I have been looking for a real deal baked beans recipe for ever. I am such a huge banked beans lover, I could eat it anytime of the day. So cool you ad Worcestershire Sauce, yum! 😀
This is something I’ve been wanting to have a go at making for ages, Janette!
It’s very true what you’re saying about British baked beans. I have them at least once or twice a week, sometimes just for dinner on toast with a little sprinkling of cheese, and sometimes with a full cooked breakfast at a local pub (for about £3 if you can believe that!).
Thanks so much for the recipe – they look just like Heinz!
Question: At what temperature for the last part in the oven ? Thankyou
Hello Frank, sorry for leaving that out. The temperature is 325°F and I’ve updated the recipe.
I followed the recipe exactly and they came out hard. Any ideas?
Hi Sam, I’m sorry this happened to you. This could be due to the beans themselves, if they are old (maybe they have been sitting in the store for a while) they will take longer to cook. You could just try baking them longer and keep tasting them until they are tender. I hope this helps.