Paula Deen Baked Beans Recipe

Paula Deen Baked Beans Recipe That’s Irresistibly Yummy

Paula Deen’s baked beans transform ordinary legumes into a mouthwatering culinary experience that tantalizes taste buds.

Southern comfort cuisine reaches new heights with this classic side dish that combines rich, complex flavors.

Deep, smoky undertones mingle with sweet and tangy notes, creating a harmonious blend that elevates any meal.

Hearty ingredients come together seamlessly, promising a crowd-pleasing recipe that sparks conversation and brings people closer.

Home cooks appreciate the straightforward preparation and minimal effort required to produce such a delectable result.

Every spoonful delivers a comforting warmth that reminds you of family gatherings and leisurely summer afternoons.

The magic happens when carefully selected ingredients merge, creating a symphony of taste that feels both nostalgic and exciting: dive into this irresistible recipe now!

Why Paula Deen’s Baked Beans Are a Barbecue Must

  • Elevate Comfort Food: These baked beans transform a classic side dish into a mouthwatering masterpiece that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal.
  • Bacon-Powered Flavor Explosion: Crispy bacon crumbles and its smoky drippings create an incredible depth of taste that makes these beans irresistibly rich and savory.
  • Super Simple Southern Cooking: With minimal prep and just one baking dish, home cooks can easily whip up a crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Quick Weeknight Dinner Hero: Requiring just over an hour from start to finish, this recipe provides a delicious, hearty side dish that complements grilled meats, barbecues, and potluck gatherings perfectly.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Baked Beans

Meats:
  • Bacon: Rich, smoky flavor that adds crispy texture to the beans.
  • Pork and Beans: Classic base for the dish, providing hearty protein and bean foundation.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion: Adds depth and sweetness when caramelized in bacon drippings.
  • Mustard: Tangy condiment that brings sharp, zesty notes to the dish.
  • Maple Syrup: Sweet element that balances the savory flavors with rich, woodsy sweetness.
  • Ketchup: Provides tomato base and additional sweetness to the sauce.
Cooking Components:
  • Bacon Drippings: Flavorful fat that enhances the overall taste and helps sauté the onions.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Baked Beans

How to Make Paula Deen’s Baked Beans

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 160°C / 325°F, ensuring it’s ready for the delicious baked beans.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a skillet until it reaches crispy perfection. Crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside for later.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

Use the leftover bacon drippings to caramelize the onions until they turn a beautiful golden brown, creating a rich flavor base.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, blend the following ingredients:
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Sautéed onions
  • Bacon drippings
  • Pork and beans
  • Mustard
  • Maple syrup
  • Ketchup

Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the bean mixture into a baking dish. Cover the dish and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until the beans are bubbling and have slightly thickened, creating a mouthwatering side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Perfecting Paula Deen’s Baked Beans

  • Crunch Your Bacon Perfectly: Fry bacon until extra crisp, breaking it into small pieces that will provide a satisfying texture and intense smoky notes throughout the beans.
  • Caramelize Onions Deeply: Cook chopped onions slowly in a skillet until they turn a rich golden brown, releasing natural sugars that will add complexity and depth to the bean's overall flavor profile.
  • Blend Ingredients Strategically: Stir all components thoroughly, ensuring every spoonful contains a harmonious mix of sweet, savory, and smoky elements that complement each other.
  • Protect Moisture Wisely: Use aluminum foil during initial baking stages to lock in moisture, preventing beans from drying out and maintaining a luscious, creamy consistency.
  • Customize Sweetness Smartly: Sample the bean mixture before placing in the oven, carefully adjusting maple syrup levels to create a perfectly balanced sweet-savory experience that suits your personal taste preferences.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Baked Beans

  • Freeze: Preserve your delicious Paula Deen Baked Beans by transferring them to sturdy freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and label with the date. These beans maintain fantastic flavor and texture for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy families.
  • Refrigerate: Store cooled baked beans in sealed glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Place them in the refrigerator's main compartment, not the door, to maintain consistent temperature. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety, enjoying leftovers as a quick and satisfying side dish.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed frozen beans in a microwave-safe dish, covering with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, gently reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain the beans' delectable texture.

Creative Variations on Paula Deen’s Baked Beans

  • Smoky Chipotle Beans: Add diced chipotle peppers and a splash of adobo sauce for a spicy, smoky flavor profile that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Bourbon Brown Sugar Beans: Replace maple syrup with bourbon and brown sugar to create a rich, caramelized depth that complements the bacon's smokiness.
  • Vegetarian Bean Casserole: Swap bacon with smoked paprika and add plant-based bacon bits or crumbled tempeh for a meat-free version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
  • Jalapeño Cheddar Beans: Mix in diced jalapeños and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of baking for a zesty, cheesy kick.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Baked Beans

Paula Deen’s baked beans showcase Southern comfort cooking at its finest.

Rich bacon, sweet maple syrup, and tangy mustard create a symphony of flavors that dance across palates.

Hearty pork and beans become a luxurious side dish with these simple ingredients.

Classic comfort meets gourmet sensation in this memorable recipe.

Crumbled bacon adds a smoky crunch that elevates the entire dish.

Gather friends, share this delectable creation, and watch smiles spread faster than beans disappear from plates – dive into this recipe, snap a pic, and spark conversations that celebrate culinary magic.

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Paula Deen Baked Beans Recipe

Paula Deen Baked Beans Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Paula Deen’s baked beans showcase Southern comfort with a hearty blend of smoky bacon, brown sugar, and tangy barbecue sauce. Perfectly balanced flavors meld together, creating a crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll crave at summer gatherings and potluck celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • ½ pound (0.23 kilogram) bacon
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 (16 ounces/454 grams) can pork and beans

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 4 tablespoons ketchup
  • 5 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 160°C / 325°F, preparing a suitable baking dish for the hearty bean preparation.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon strips until they transform into crisp, golden-brown fragments. Transfer the crumbled bacon to a separate plate.
  3. Utilize the remaining bacon drippings to sauté finely chopped onions, cooking them until they develop a rich, caramelized appearance and release a sweet, aromatic fragrance.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork and beans, crumbled bacon pieces, sautéed onions, and the flavorful bacon drippings.
  5. Introduce tangy mustard, rich maple syrup, and classic ketchup to the bean mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated.
  6. Transfer the fully mixed bean concoction into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking.
  7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent excessive surface browning.
  8. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beans become bubbly, slightly thickened, and develop a rich, deep color.

Notes

  • Customize the heat by adjusting hot sauce or pepper levels to match your spice tolerance.
  • Create a vegan version by swapping bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for similar smoky notes.
  • Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days, reheating gently to maintain texture.
  • Check bean tenderness during cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect soft yet firm consistency.
  • Experiment with different bean varieties like cannellini or navy beans for unique flavor profiles and textures.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 343
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 1003 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 23 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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