Grandma Friedel's Ultimate Baked Beans
After countless trials in the quest for the perfect baked beans, I've finally perfected this recipe that combines rich flavors and hearty textures. These Grandma Friedel's Ultimate Baked Beans are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, making them the perfect companion for any meal or a star dish at your next barbecue. Each bite is a trip down memory lane, reminiscent of cozy family gatherings. Worth every minute of cooking, this unpretentious dish delivers comfort and satisfaction. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these old-fashioned baked beans that will have them coming back for seconds!
4
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
White pea beans
1 lb (soaked overnight)
Cold water
4 cups (for soaking and cooking)
Onion
1 small (sliced)
Salt
1/2 tablespoon (to taste)
Cider vinegar
2 teaspoons (for flavor)
Prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon (for sweetness)
Molasses
1/4 cup (for richness)
Tomato ketchup
1/2 cup (to enhance flavor)
Bacon
1/4 lb (sliced (optional))
Ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
The night before, soak the white pea beans in cold water, ensuring they are fully submerged.
2
The following day, drain, rinse, and place the soaked beans in a saucepan with 4 cups of cold water.
3
Bring the water to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook the beans for 30 minutes before draining again.
4
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
5
In a 6-cup casserole dish, layer the sliced onions evenly on the bottom.
6
In a separate bowl, combine the salt, cider vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, molasses, tomato ketchup, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until well combined.
7
Pour the seasoning mixture over the onions in the casserole dish.
8
Add the drained beans, ensuring they are adequately covered by water. If needed, add additional water to ensure coverage.
9
If using, lay the slices of bacon on top, evenly distributing them over the beans.
10
Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 7 hours.
11
About halfway through cooking, when the beans are soft, carefully remove 1 cup of beans from the pot, mash them, and stir back into the casserole to enhance the creaminess.
12
Continue baking, checking occasionally to ensure the beans remain covered with water, adding more water as necessary.
13
One hour before serving, remove the cover to allow the beans to darken and develop a rich flavor.
14
Once done, let the beans cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
50g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
10g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma Friedel's Ultimate Baked Beans?
It is a rich, sweet, and savory old-fashioned baked bean recipe perfect for barbecues and family gatherings.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of white pea beans.
How long do the beans need to soak?
The beans should be soaked in cold water overnight, ensuring they are fully submerged.
What is the total baking time for the beans?
The beans bake for a total of 7 hours in a preheated oven.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be set to 250°F (120°C).
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the optional bacon.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 6-cup casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How should the onion be prepared?
You should use one small onion that has been sliced.
How much bacon is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 lb of sliced bacon.
Is the bacon mandatory?
No, the bacon is listed as an optional ingredient.
How much molasses is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of molasses for richness.
What ingredients provide the sweetness?
Sweetness comes from 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of molasses.
How much cider vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of cider vinegar for flavor.
Why should I mash some of the beans during cooking?
Mashing 1 cup of beans and stirring them back in enhances the creaminess of the casserole.
When should I mash the beans?
About halfway through the baking time, once the beans have become soft.
What if the beans look dry while baking?
Check the dish occasionally and add more water as necessary to keep them covered.
How much water is used for the initial simmer?
The beans are simmered in 4 cups of cold water for 30 minutes.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 300 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 5g of fat.
How much protein is in these baked beans?
There is 12.5g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 50g of carbohydrates.
How much fiber is in the recipe?
Each serving provides 10g of fiber.
How are the ingredients layered in the dish?
The sliced onions are layered on the bottom first, followed by the seasoning mixture and then the beans.
When do I uncover the beans?
Remove the cover one hour before serving to allow the beans to darken and develop flavor.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of prepared mustard.
Is there black pepper in the recipe?
Yes, freshly ground black pepper is added to taste.
How long should the beans cool before serving?
Let the beans cool for a few minutes before serving them warm.
What is the role of tomato ketchup in this recipe?
Tomato ketchup is used to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Can I use any other type of vinegar?
The recipe specifically calls for cider vinegar for its flavor profile.