Savory Appalachian Heritage Baked Beans
These Savory Appalachian Heritage Baked Beans are a tribute to the rich culinary traditions of the Appalachian Mountains. After years of enjoying delightful dishes shared by picnickers and campers, I've perfected a recipe that embodies the heartwarming flavors of this region. With the perfect balance of sweetness from dark brown sugar and tang from ketchup, combined with the smokiness of bacon and the aromatic notes of onions, these beans are a comforting addition to any gathering. Ideal for family reunions, potlucks, or quiet evenings at home, indulge in this classic dish that brings warmth and joy to the table. Enjoy the love and warmth of Appalachia with every bite! Big Pat.
8
Servings
394
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork and Beans
60 ounces (canned)
Dark Brown Sugar
1 cup (packed)
Ketchup
3/4 cup (none)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Bacon
8 ounces (sliced thin)
Cooking Spray
as needed (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork and beans, dark brown sugar, ketchup, and chopped onion. Stir until well combined.
3
Spray a 9" x 13" casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4
Pour the bean mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
5
Lay the thinly sliced bacon strips evenly on top of the bean mixture.
6
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out during the initial cooking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
8
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
9
Continue baking uncovered until the beans are bubbly and the bacon is nicely crisped, about an additional 45 minutes.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
44g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Appalachian Heritage Baked Beans?
They are a traditional bean dish inspired by Appalachian culinary history, featuring a mix of pork and beans, dark brown sugar, ketchup, and bacon.
Who created this recipe?
This recipe was perfected and shared by Big Pat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients for these baked beans?
The main ingredients are canned pork and beans, dark brown sugar, ketchup, a large onion, and thin-sliced bacon.
How much pork and beans are needed?
You will need 60 ounces of canned pork and beans.
What type of sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of packed dark brown sugar.
How much ketchup should I add?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of ketchup.
How should the onion be prepared?
One large onion should be chopped before being added to the mixture.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 8 ounces of thinly sliced bacon.
What is the initial oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F.
What size casserole dish should be used?
A 9-inch by 13-inch casserole dish is recommended.
How do I prevent the beans from sticking to the dish?
Spray the casserole dish with cooking spray before adding the bean mixture.
How do I layer the bacon?
Lay the thinly sliced bacon strips evenly on top of the bean mixture once it is in the dish.
Should the dish be covered during baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes of baking to prevent it from drying out.
How long is the initial baking period?
The beans bake at 400 degrees F for 45 minutes while covered.
When do I change the oven temperature?
After the first 45 minutes of baking, remove the foil and reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F.
How long do the beans bake uncovered?
They bake uncovered for an additional 45 minutes at 350 degrees F.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
How can I tell when the baked beans are done?
The beans are done when they are bubbly and the bacon on top is nicely crisped.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are 394 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 20 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 44 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 8 grams of protein.
Is this recipe good for potlucks?
Yes, it is ideal for potlucks, family reunions, and large gatherings.
What type of cuisine is this considered?
This is considered southern cuisine from the Appalachian region.
Are there any preparation steps for the beans themselves?
The recipe uses canned pork and beans, so no pre-soaking or boiling is required.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a balance of sweetness from the sugar, tang from the ketchup, and smokiness from the bacon.
Can I use different types of beans?
While the heritage recipe specifies pork and beans, you could experiment with other canned beans, though the flavor may vary.
Is this a main dish or a side dish?
This is typically served as a comforting side dish.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include baked beans, Appalachian recipe, comfort food, and southern cuisine.