Savory Southern Baked Beans
Enjoy a classic favorite with Savory Southern Baked Beans, a recipe handed down through generations. This delightful dish combines a variety of flavors, including sweet and smoky bacon, tangy mustard, and rich dark Karo syrup to create an irresistible side dish perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners. Your loved ones will savor every bite of this hearty meal, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire. Add this mouthwatering bean dish to your next celebration, and they’ll be asking for seconds!
6-8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork and beans
2 cans (28 ounces each) + 1 can (14 ounces) (drained)
brown sugar
1 cup
onion
1 medium (chopped finely and sautéed in bacon fat)
green pepper
1 (chopped finely and sautéed in bacon fat)
Dark Karo syrup
1 cup
prepared mustard
1/4 cup
tomato sauce
1 can (8 ounces)
ketchup
3 tablespoons
deviled ham
1 can (4 1/4 ounces) (optional)
pepper
(to taste)
bacon
8 slices
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pork and beans, brown sugar, sautéed onion, sautéed green pepper, Dark Karo syrup, prepared mustard, tomato sauce, ketchup, and pepper. If using, add the deviled ham as well.
3
Mix all ingredients together until evenly combined.
4
Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Layer the bacon slices across the top of the bean mixture.
6
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
7
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional hour, until the bacon is crispy and the beans are heated through.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Southern Baked Beans?
Savory Southern Baked Beans are a traditional side dish featuring pork and beans, bacon, and a sweet and tangy sauce made with Dark Karo syrup.
What types of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires two 28-ounce cans and one 14-ounce can of pork and beans.
Do I need to drain the beans before cooking?
Yes, the pork and beans should be drained before being mixed with the other ingredients.
What gives these beans their sweet flavor?
The sweetness comes from a combination of one cup of brown sugar and one cup of Dark Karo syrup.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped and then sautéed in bacon fat for enhanced flavor.
What is the purpose of the green pepper in this recipe?
The green pepper is chopped and sautéed in bacon fat to add a savory depth and aromatic quality to the beans.
How much Dark Karo syrup is required?
The recipe calls for exactly one cup of Dark Karo syrup.
What type of mustard is used for the tangy flavor?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of prepared mustard.
Are there any optional ingredients?
Yes, adding one 4 1/4 ounce can of deviled ham is an optional way to enhance the meatiness of the dish.
How much ketchup is added to the mixture?
Three tablespoons of ketchup are included in the bean mixture.
What size can of tomato sauce is needed?
You will need one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How much bacon is used in this recipe?
Eight slices of bacon are layered across the top of the beans before baking.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
How long should the beans bake in total?
The total baking time is 2 hours.
How long do the beans bake while covered?
The dish is baked covered with aluminum foil for the first hour.
When should I remove the aluminum foil?
The foil should be removed after the first hour of baking.
What happens during the second hour of baking?
The beans continue to cook uncovered until the bacon on top becomes crispy and the mixture is heated through.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 to 8 servings.
Is this a good dish for potlucks?
Yes, it is described as an irresistible side dish perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners.
Can I sauté the vegetables in something other than bacon fat?
While the recipe suggests bacon fat for flavor, you could use butter or oil if bacon fat is unavailable.
How is the bean mixture combined?
All ingredients except the bacon are mixed together in a large mixing bowl until evenly combined.
What should the consistency of the finished bacon be?
The bacon should be crispy by the end of the second hour of baking.
Is the deviled ham a common addition?
It is a traditional variation that adds a unique savory element, though it remains optional.
What kind of baking dish should I use?
A large baking dish is recommended to accommodate the significant volume of beans and toppings.
How much pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests adding pepper to taste.
What is the category of this recipe?
This dish is categorized under Pork recipes.
Can this recipe be considered a Southern comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as Southern comfort food and is a family recipe handed down through generations.
Why is Dark Karo syrup used instead of light?
Dark Karo syrup provides a more robust, molasses-like flavor that complements the smoky bacon.
Do I need to pre-cook the bacon slices?
No, the bacon slices are placed raw on top of the beans and cook during the 2-hour baking process.
Should the onion be finely or coarsely chopped?
The recipe specifies that the onion should be chopped finely.