Kickin' Canned Baked Beans

Level up canned baked beans with smoky bacon & molasses! This easy canned baked beans recipe delivers BBQ flavour, no grill needed. Best baked beans ever, guaranteed!

May 30, 2025
By Aidan Rivers.

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Alright then, let's get cracking on a baked bean recipe that'll make you feel like you're at a proper british bbq, even if you're just popping it in the oven after work! we'll take those humble canned beans and elevate them to something truly special.

Kickin' Canned Baked Beans : From Good to Unbelievably Great!

Let's face it, canned baked beans can sometimes be a bit… meh. this recipe transforms those humble beans into a flavour fiesta.

We're talking smoky bacon, tangy molasses, and a secret ingredient or two that'll have everyone begging for seconds.

This canned baked beans recipe delivers that classic taste with a hearty, homemade vibe. think proper british-style baked beans, but way quicker and easier.

Get ready for the best baked beans you've ever tasted.

From Humble Beginnings to BBQ Brilliance

Baked beans have been around for ages, with regional variations popping up all over. But this recipe is about convenience and flavour. It turns that pantry staple into something truly special.

This easy baked beans recipe is dead simple. prep time is about 10 minutes, and it bakes for 30-40. a total time of 40- 50 minutes is all it takes for 4-6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or bbq side dishes .

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, the biggest benefit is the taste! The smoky bacon combined with the sweet and tangy sauce is just phenomenal. Baked beans are also a pretty good source of protein and fibre.

These are perfect for a casual get-together, a bbq side dishes spread, or even a cheeky weeknight dinner. what makes it special? the layering of flavors, plus a touch of smokiness, takes ordinary canned baked beans to the next level.

This dish is a delightful alternative to your regular veggie dishes or pasta bake .

Alright, let's talk beans! We are going to cook Kickin' Canned Baked Beans: From Good to Unbelievably Great!

This recipe makes canned baked beans go from "meh" to "oh my gosh!" it's got smokiness from bacon, tang from molasses, and a secret ingredient – or two! everyone will want seconds, trust me.

These are the best baked beans ever. this recipe is easy, so even if you're a newbie cook, you got this!

Kickin' Canned Baked Beans Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 (15-ounce/425g) cans baked beans in tomato sauce
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
• 1/4 cup (60ml) dark molasses
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Crispy fried onions (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cook diced bacon in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving bacon fat in the skillet.
• Add chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the baked beans, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the beans are bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and stir in the cooked bacon.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy fried onions (if desired). Serve hot.

Ingredients & Equipment

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep. then, you need 30- 40 minutes for cooking. this easy baked beans dish is ready in under an hour.

It serves 4-6 people . perfect for a small gathering or family dinner.

Main Ingredients

• 2 (15-ounce/425g) cans baked beans in tomato sauce
  • Heinz or Bush's work great. These form the base of the canned baked beans recipe . Drain the excess liquid if you like a thicker consistency.
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
  • Go for good quality bacon! The smokier, the better.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup/150g )
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ketchup
• 1/4 cup (60ml) dark molasses
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

You might wonder why all these ingredients? They transform simple beans into something special. Trust me; it works!

Seasoning Notes

The magic is in the spice combos. smoked paprika and worcestershire are a must. they add depth and smokiness. dijon mustard brings a tangy kick.

Apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness. this is a key point of this canned baked beans recipe .

Need a sub? Don't have Dijon? Yellow mustard works, but Dijon is better. Out of apple cider vinegar? White wine vinegar is fine.

Equipment Needed

You only need a few essential tools.

• Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven.
  • If you don’t have one, use a regular skillet and transfer the beans to a baking dish.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Cutting board and knife.
• Garlic press (optional, but makes life easier).

Don’t sweat it if you don't have fancy equipment. just use what you've got. the results will be delicious! this recipe is also amazing with pork chop and goes well as one of the best bbq side dishes .

Try to add it to your next pasta bake , and it will be the best. these canned beans works well with your potato dishes and any veggie dishes you are planning to serve.

Looking for other baked bean recipes ? this should be your number one from now on.

Kickin' Canned Baked Beans: From Good to Unbelievably Great!

Let's be real, a canned baked beans recipe sometimes needs a little oomph , yeah? this recipe transforms those humble beans into a flavour party.

We’re talkin’ smoky bacon, tangy molasses, and maybe a secret ingredient. it's like a proper british style baked beans, only quicker.

Get ready for the best baked beans ever !

This recipe is dead easy . Novice cooks, you've got this. It's all about layering flavours.

Prep Like a Boss: Mise en Place

First up, let's get our ducks in a row. dice 4 slices of thick-cut bacon. chop 1 medium yellow onion.

Mince 2 cloves of garlic. measure out your spices and sauces. job's a good'un.

Step-by-Step: From Can to Yum!

1. Oven Time! Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
2. Bacon Bliss: Cook the bacon in a large oven-safe skillet. Get it nice and crispy. Remove the bacon, but leave the fat in the pan. That’s liquid gold, that is.
3. Aromatic Awesomeness: Toss in the chopped onion and cook in the bacon fat until soft, around 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Smells amazing, right?
4. Bean Bonanza: Add 2 (15-ounce) cans of baked beans, ¼ cup ketchup, ¼ cup dark molasses, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Give it all a good stir.
5. Simmer Down: Bring the mixture to a simmer on the hob. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Bake It!: Pop the skillet into the oven and bake for 30- 40 minutes , until the sauce thickens and the beans are bubbling.
7. Bacon Back In: Remove from the oven and stir in the cooked bacon.
8. Season to Perfection: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy fried onions, if you're feeling fancy.

Pro Tips for Easy Baked Beans

• Don't skimp on the bacon! It's key to that smoky flavour. If you're going veggie, you could use smoked tofu instead.
• Taste before baking and adjust the brown sugar to your liking.
• Low and slow baking is the way to go for maximum flavour.

So there you have it. forget boring old baked bean recipes and give this a go. it is perfect for bbq side dishes or just a quick pork chop accompaniment.

What about serving it with a side of potato or veggie dishes like salads to create a memorable dining experience.

I've even had mates put it in a pasta bake . now that's what i call comfort food!

Honestly, it's so good, you might just ditch your usual canned baked beans recipe altogether. Enjoy!

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of making these kickin' canned baked beans absolutely banging. after all, the best recipes aren't just about the ingredients; it's about the little touches that make them sing.

Recipe Notes for the Best Baked Beans

Right, so you've got your shopping list sorted, you know how to cook bacon (hopefully!), now for the real secrets.

Think of these as my little nuggets of wisdom, things i've learned along the way that'll take your canned baked beans recipe from "meh" to "omg!".

Serving Suggestions - Get Your Plating On!

How you serve something makes a world of difference. imagine these easy baked beans served in a rustic earthenware bowl, sprinkled with fresh parsley.

Or pile them high on top of buttered toast for a lazy weekend brunch. they are also one of the most popular bbq side dishes

As for sides? I reckon they're awesome with grilled Pork Chop or proper British bangers (sausages). Coleslaw cuts through the richness perfectly. Don't forget a pint of your favourite lager, too!

Storage Tips - Keep the Goodness Fresh

Got leftovers? no worries! these canned baked beans keep for about 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

Honestly, they sometimes taste even better the next day because the flavors have melded together.

Freezing? You can , but the texture might change a bit. They are still awesome when reheated.

Reheating is a doddle! Just microwave them until piping hot or gently warm them up on the hob.

Variations - Spice Things Up!

Okay, so you wanna mess with perfection? I get it.

Dietary Adaptations

• Veggie Dish Alert: Wanna make them veggie? Just ditch the bacon and use some smoked tofu for that smoky flavor. Works a treat!
• Maple-Bourbon Bliss: Swap molasses for maple syrup and chuck in a splash of bourbon before baking. Trust me.

Seasonal Swaps During Autumn swap out normal baked beans and use butter beans.

Nutrition Basics - The Good Stuff

Look, they're beans, so you're getting a good dose of fibre, which is always a winner. each serving has around 350-400 calories.

There's also a good chunk of protein too. this recipe also offers a great way to eat potato , pasta bake , and other baked bean recipes .

Honestly, these kickin' canned baked beans are more than just a bbq side dish ; they're a hug in a bowl.

So get in the kitchen, give it a go, and let me know how you get on! you got this!