Bring a touch of home-cooked comfort to your next meal with these delicious Crockpot Baked Beans. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a savory, sweet, and slightly smoky side dish that pairs perfectly with barbecues, picnics, and family dinners.
Why You'll Love This Simple Side Dish
- Effortless. Minimal preparation for a no-fuss cooking experience.
- Flavorful. The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors is irresistible.
- Versatile. Perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any family meal.
Dive into the ultimate combination of ease and flavor with this foolproof method.
What Do Crockpot Baked Beans Taste Like?
When you dig into a bowl of crockpot baked beans, you'll experience a comforting medley of flavors and textures. The initial sweetness is balanced by the smoky, savory, and tangy notes, creating a well-rounded dish. The tender beans paired with a thick, flavorful sauce make each bite hearty and satisfying.
Whether served as a side dish at a barbecue or as a main dish on a chilly day, crockpot baked beans are sure to delight your taste buds with their complex and comforting flavors.
Do Baked Beans Thicken As They Cook?
Yes, baked beans do thicken as they cook, especially when cooked slowly in a crockpot or baked in an oven.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Navy Beans- The base of this hearty dish.
- Onion- Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Bacon- Provides a smoky, savory element.
- Ketchup- Adds a tangy sweetness.
- Brown Sugar- Sweetens the beans and adds a hint of molasses.
- Molasses- Deepens the sweetness with a rich, complex flavor.
- Dijon Mustard- Adds a tangy, slightly spicy note.
- Apple Cider Vinegar- Balances the sweetness with a bit of acidity.
- Worcestershire Sauce- Enhances the umami flavor.
- Salt and Pepper- To taste, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
How To Make Crockpot Baked Beans
- Prep the Beans. Rinse and sort the navy beans, then soak them overnight in water.
- Cook the Bacon. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble.
- Sauté the Onion. In the same skillet, sauté the onion in the bacon grease until softened.
- Combine Ingredients. In the crockpot, combine the beans, crumbled bacon, sautéed onion, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Serve. Serve warm as a side dish with your favorite barbecue or picnic foods.
Tips And Tricks
Making crockpot baked beans is a simple yet rewarding process that results in a delicious, hearty dish perfect for any gathering. Here are some tips and tricks to make them perfect:
- Soaking Beans. Soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
- Adjusting Sweetness. Adjust the amount of brown sugar and molasses to your taste preference.
- Bacon Substitute. Use smoked sausage or ham for a different flavor profile.
Variations
Crockpot baked beans are versatile and can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some delicious variations to try:
- Spicy Baked Beans- Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Baked Beans- Omit the bacon and use liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
- Maple Baked Beans- Substitute maple syrup for brown sugar for a distinct maple flavor.
What To Eat With Crockpot Baked Beans
Crockpot baked beans are a versatile and flavorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses and other sides. Here are some great options to serve alongside them:
- Barbecue Ribs- The sweet and smoky beans complement the rich flavors of barbecue ribs.
- Grilled Chicken- A light and flavorful pairing with the hearty beans.
- Cornbread- The perfect side to soak up the delicious sauce of the baked beans.
How Long Do They Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
Can You Freeze Them?
Absolutely! Freeze the cooked and cooled baked beans in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
More Easy Side Dishes
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Vegan Coleslaw
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Greek Rice
- Charro Beans
- Macaroni Salad
- Seven Layer Salad
- Baked Beans With Bacon
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Navy Beans
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 6 slices Bacon
- 1 cup Ketchup
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Molasses
- 2 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Beans. Rinse and sort the navy beans, then soak them overnight in water.
- Cook the Bacon. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble.
- Sauté the Onion. In the same skillet, sauté the onion in the bacon grease until softened.
- Combine Ingredients. In the crockpot, combine the beans, crumbled bacon, sautéed onion, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Serve. Serve warm as a side dish with your favorite barbecue or picnic foods.
What? No water added? Or Broth? You missed that part.
Not sure what I did wrong but this was an absolute fail. At the 12 hour mark in the crockpot and the beans were still not soft, I gave up.