Grandma Browns Baked Beans Copycat Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Classic Flavor

There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans. This classic dish has been a favorite at family gatherings for generations, bringing everyone together with its rich and hearty flavors.

I’ve always loved how these beans perfectly blend sweet and savory notes, making them an ideal side for just about any meal. Whether you’re planning a barbecue or a cozy dinner at home, this copycat recipe captures the essence of Grandma Brown’s original.

Recreating this beloved recipe is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can enjoy the nostalgic taste of homemade baked beans that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans

Rinsed and sorted

• 6 cups water

For soaking the beans

• 4 slices bacon

Diced

• 1 medium onion

Finely chopped

• 1/2 cup molasses

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 2 cloves garlic

Minced

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Equipment

To create Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans just right, having the proper equipment is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot

• Ideal for even heat distribution and long, slow cooking.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

• Ensure precise measurements for consistent flavor.

• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife

• Perfect for dicing onions and chopping bacon with ease.

• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula

• Great for stirring the beans without scratching your cookware.

• Colander

• Necessary for rinsing and soaking the dried navy beans before cooking.

• Lid for the Dutch Oven or Pot

• Helps retain moisture and flavors during the baking process.

• Oven Mitts

• Keep your hands safe when handling hot pots and pans.
• Useful if you prefer to start cooking bacon separately.

Having these tools on hand will streamline the cooking process, allowing you to focus on achieving that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in your baked beans.

Directions

Recreating Grandma Brown’s legendary baked beans is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to achieve that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Prep

1. Soak the Beans: Rinse 1 pound of dried navy beans under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Let them soak overnight or use the quick soak method by boiling for 5 minutes and letting them sit for an hour.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:

• Dice 6 slices of bacon into small pieces.
• Finely chop 1 large onion.
• Mince 3 cloves of garlic.

1. Measure the Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• Measure 1/2 cup molasses.
• Measure 1/2 cup brown sugar.
• Prepare 2 tablespoons ketchup.
• Have 1 tablespoon yellow mustard ready.
• Measure 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.
• Set aside 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt.

1. Gather Equipment: Ensure you have a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, a wooden spoon for stirring, and a colander for rinsing the beans.

Cook

1. Cook the Bacon: Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and sauté until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
3. Combine the Ingredients: Return the cooked bacon to the pot. Add the soaked and drained navy beans, molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Add Liquid: Pour in enough water to cover the beans by about an inch. Add 2 bay leaves for extra flavor.
5. Simmer the Beans: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the beans become too dry, add more water as needed.
6. Finalize the Flavor: After simmering, remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary.
7. Serve: Allow the baked beans to cool slightly before serving. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, barbecue dishes, or as a hearty side for any meal.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans ahead of time is a fantastic way to ensure a stress-free meal when hosting family and friends. Here’s how I like to make this classic dish in advance:

1. Cook the Baked Beans Completely

Follow the recipe steps to prepare and cook the baked beans until they’re perfectly tender and flavorful. Ensure they are fully cooked before proceeding to storage.

1. Let Them Cool

Allow the baked beans to cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can affect the texture and flavor during storage.

1. Store Properly

Transfer the cooled beans into an airtight container. I recommend using a glass or BPA-free plastic container to maintain freshness. Label the container with the date to keep track of their storage time.

1. Refrigerate or Freeze

• Refrigerate: Store the beans in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This is ideal if you plan to serve them within the same week.
• Freeze: For longer storage, place the airtight container in the freezer. Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans can be frozen for up to 3 months without compromising quality.

1. Reheat Before Serving

• From Refrigerator: Transfer the beans to a saucepan and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
• From Freezer: Thaw the beans overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat them in a saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

1. Adjust Seasonings if Needed

After reheating, taste the beans and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Sometimes, flavors mellow during storage, so a little extra brown sugar or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can bring back that delightful Grandma Brown’s taste.

By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans with minimal effort on the day of your gathering. Whether you’re planning a week ahead or prepping for a special occasion, these instructions ensure your baked beans are always a hit.

Serving Suggestions

I love pairing Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans with a variety of dishes to create memorable meals. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve these hearty beans:

Classic Barbecue Plate

• Grilled Ribs or Chicken: The smoky flavors of grilled ribs or chicken complement the sweet and savory notes of the baked beans perfectly.
• Coleslaw: Add a refreshing crunch with a side of creamy coleslaw.
• Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce from the beans.

Breakfast Feast

• Scrambled Eggs: Start your day with fluffy scrambled eggs alongside the rich baked beans.
• Toast or English Muffins: Pair with buttered toast or toasted English muffins for a satisfying breakfast.
• Grilled Tomatoes: Add grilled tomatoes for a burst of flavor and color on your plate.

Hearty Sandwiches

• Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Top pulled pork sandwiches with a generous spoonful of baked beans for added texture and taste.
• Cheeseburgers: Enhance your cheeseburgers by adding a side of these flavorful beans.
• Veggie Wraps: For a vegetarian option, include baked beans in veggie wraps with fresh greens and a tangy dressing.

Family Gatherings

• Buffet Style: Arrange the baked beans in a large serving dish as part of a buffet spread, allowing guests to serve themselves.
• Potluck Dishes: These beans are always a hit at potlucks, offering a comforting and familiar taste that everyone enjoys.
• Picnics: Pack them in portable containers for an easy and delicious addition to your picnic menu.

Creative Twists

• Baked Bean Casserole: Layer the baked beans with cheese and vegetables to create a hearty casserole.
• Stuffed Peppers: Use the beans as a filling for stuffed bell peppers, adding a nutritious and flavorful element.
• Baked Bean Dip: Mash the beans slightly and serve as a dip with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for parties and gatherings.

Nutrition and Portion Control

To help you balance your meals, here’s a quick reference table for serving sizes and nutritional information:

Conclusion

Making Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans has been a delightful journey back to my childhood. There’s something special about savoring that perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that brings everyone together.

I hope you enjoy preparing and sharing this comforting dish as much as I do. Whether it’s for a family night or a barbecue with friends these beans are sure to be a hit. Give the recipe a try and create your own delicious memories.