Honey Baked Beans From Scratch

Are you ready to be the star of your next summer party or barbecue? Make baked beans from scratch! No, seriously... do it!

Sure, you could grab a can of baked beans off the shelf, but where's the fun in that? Not to mention, the taste of store-bought baked beans simply can't compare to the real deal.

Making honey baked beans from scratch is surprisingly easy. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a sweet summer side dish that is full of flavor. And, by making your own baked beans, you have complete control over the ingredients and can adjust the sweetness level to suit your tastes.

Plus, these sweet honey baked beans are the perfect summer side dish that complements all of your favorite barbecue staples, including hot dogs, hamburgers, grilled chicken, and steak.

Trust me, everyone will be asking you for this recipe at your next backyard BBQ or summer cookout.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative- Many store-bought baked beans are loaded with added sugar and preservatives. Making baked beans at home gives you the option to control the amount of sugar and salt in the recipe.
• Flavorful- These easy honey baked beans don't skimp on flavor. Smoky bacon, savory garlic and onion, rich tomato paste, and sweet honey come together to make this dish truly something special.
• Versatile- Pair baked beans with all of your summer favorites. They make a delicious hot dog topping or can be turned into a summer-inspired chili.
• Cost-Effective- Dried beans are generally more cost-effective than canned beans. Especially if you're making a large batch for a crowd.
• Summertime Favorite- Baked beans are a nostalgic summer side dish for many. Bring homemade honey baked beans to your next summer party and you'll be the star of the show.

Ingredient Notes

Here are some notes on the key ingredients. For the full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

• Dried Navy Beans- Dried navy beans that you cook yourself will enhance the texture and flavor of your homemade baked beans. Just soak them overnight on the counter the day before you plan to make your honey baked beans.
• Bacon- Thick-cut bacon adds a slightly smoky flavor to the dish.
• Onion- Sautéed until caramelized, yellow onion gives the baked beans a delicious savory, yet sweet flavor.
• Garlic- A few cloves of minced garlic add a subtle garlic flavor.
• Tomato Paste- Tomato paste is my go-to ingredient for homemade baked beans. It offers better control over the sugar content and elevates the tomato flavor.
• Honey- Honey is the primary sweetener in these scratch-made honey baked beans. Use the highest-quality honey you can get your hands on.
• Brown Sugar- A touch of brown sugar gives these baked beans a caramel-like flavor and enhances the natural sweetness of the honey.
• Molasses- Enhances the depth of flavor, adds complexity, and balances the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar.
• Apple Cider Vinegar- Balances the sweetness of the baked beans with a bit of acidity.
• Water- Thins the baked bean sauce so that it mixes easily with the navy beans.
• Mustard Powder- A little mustard powder adds a tangy note to these honey baked beans.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ways you can try customizing this honey baked bean recipe to fit your diet and taste preferences.

Substitutions

• Dried Navy Beans- Swap dried navy beans for cannellini beans, great northern beans, or black beans. Alternatively, use low-sodium canned navy beans in place of the dried beans.
• Bacon- Smoked sausage, pancetta, or ham hock can be used as a substitute for bacon.
• Onion- Replace fresh onion with 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of onion powder.
• Garlic- Use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder in place of fresh garlic cloves.
• Tomato Paste- Substitute tomato paste with tomato sauce, tomato purée, or ketchup.
• Honey- Maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup can be used as a substitute for honey.
• Brown Sugar- Replace brown sugar with either granulated sugar, or consider using additional honey or molasses in its place.
• Molasses- Swap molasses for brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey.
• Apple Cider Vinegar- White vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar can be used as a substitute for apple cider vinegar.
• Water- Substitute water with chicken stock or vegetable broth for additional flavor.
• Mustard Powder- Two tablespoons of dijon mustard or yellow mustard can be used as a substitute for mustard powder.

Variations

• Reduced Sugar- Reduce the honey to ¼ cup and the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons. Add an additional ½ cup of water to the sauce.
• Vegetarian- Skip the bacon to create a vegetarian version of this dish. To make it vegan, replace the honey with maple syrup.
• Spicy- Add a little cayenne pepper or minced jalapeño pepper to the recipe to give it a spicy kick.
• Pineapple- Add some diced pineapple to the recipe for a tropical twist on the classic dish.

How to Make Honey Baked Beans

Here is how to make baked beans with honey.

Step 1: Soak the beans overnight. Add the dried navy beans to a bowl and cover them with water by about 1 inch. Allow them to soak at room temperature for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

Step 2: Cook the beans. Preheat the oven to 300°F. Place the soaked beans in a large pot and cover completely with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Drain in a colander and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the bacon. While the beans are cooking, sauté the diced bacon over medium heat until browned and crispy. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is softened and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and drain any excess bacon fat, if necessary.

Step 4: Make the sauce. Whisk together the water, tomato paste, sweeteners, vinegar, and seasonings in a 2-quart baking dish. Add the cooked bacon, onion, and garlic to the sauce and stir to combine.

Step 5: Bake the beans. Add the cooked navy beans to the casserole dish. Stir until the beans are well coated with the sauce. Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake covered for 2 hours. Then, remove the cover and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the beans reach your desired consistency.

Tips for Success

• Don't skip soaking the beans. Soaking beans before cooking results in creamier, more evenly cooked beans.
• Cook the beans until tender. Check the beans for doneness by tasting a few before you drain them to ensure they're perfectly tender.
• Use quality ingredients. Splurge on high-quality ingredients like thick-cut bacon and pure, raw honey for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the sauce before baking. Taste the sauce for sweetness and tanginess before you bake the beans. Add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter dish or more apple cider vinegar for a bit more tang.
• Bake low and slow. Baking the beans at a low temperature for a longer time allows the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.
• Rest the beans before serving. Let the baked honey beans cool and rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
• Plan ahead. The beans can be soaked and cooked several days in advance for easier preparation on the day you plan to make these honey baked beans.

What to Serve With Honey Baked Beans

Honey baked beans are a classic summer side dish. They're perfect for a backyard barbecue or summer cookout because they pair well with so many summer staples.

When many people think baked beans, they also think of hot dogs and hamburgers. If you're looking for something a little lighter, try making these Turkey Smash Burgers along with your homemade baked beans.

Or switch things up a bit by serving honey baked beans with other grilled meats, like Grilled Chicken Breast and Marinated Grilled Steak Tips.

Additionally, honey baked beans go well with a variety of summer salads, such as potato salad, pasta salad, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, you can serve them with cornbread, macaroni and cheese, or even baked potatoes.

With so many options, you can create a delicious summer menu that all of your guests will love.

How to Use Leftover Honey Baked Beans

• Breakfast Scramble- Sauté some chopped onions, bell peppers, and leftover honey baked beans in a skillet. Add in some scrambled eggs and top with shredded cheese for a delicious and hearty breakfast dish. This works with omelets and frittatas as well.
• Bean Bowls- Combine leftover honey baked beans with cooked rice, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and avocado for a filling and flavorful meal.
• Sandwiches- Spoon leftover honey baked beans onto a toasted bun and top with pulled pork or chicken for a delicious BBQ sandwich.
• Chili- Add leftover honey baked beans to your favorite chili recipe for an extra burst of flavor.
• Bean Dip- Blend leftover honey baked beans with some cream cheese and seasonings for a tasty bean dip that pairs well with crackers or tortilla chips.

Storage and Reheating

How to Store

• Room Temperature- If serving honey baked beans at a cookout, remember that they should only be left at room temperature for a maximum of 2 hours (or less if it's particularly hot outside).
• Refrigerator- Store leftover baked beans in an airtight container and refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezer- Allow the beans to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Want to learn how to freeze baked beans the right way? Check out this article that covers everything you need to know about how to freeze baked beans.

How to Reheat

If your leftover honey baked beans are frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Oven- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the leftover beans to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Stovetop- Transfer the leftover beans to a small saucepan and add a splash of water or broth. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Microwave- Transfer an individual portion of leftover beans to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute, stirring stirring halfway through.

Make Ahead

Honey baked beans are super easy to make ahead of time. In fact, many people prefer to make them ahead so the flavors have more time to meld together.

When it comes to preparing these simple honey baked beans in advance, you have a few options.

You can either prepare the entire dish and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Or soak and cook the navy beans beforehand and refrigerate them for up to 3 days until ready to make the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let's Connect!

Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions. You can also connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or via email at [email protected].

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