Alton Brown Baked Beans Recipe

If you love a good bean dish, you’re in for a treat with Alton Brown’s baked beans.

These beans are packed with flavor and cooked to perfection!

You’ll need a Dutch oven, which helps develop that rich, slow-cooked taste.

Be sure to soak your beans overnight; it makes all the difference in texture and flavor.

I particularly appreciate the addition of bacon and jalapeños for a little kick and depth.

Adding vegetable broth instead of water gives the beans a much richer flavor.

Just remember to set aside the soaking liquid and use it in the recipe for the best results.

You won’t regret making these delicious baked beans!

How to Make Alton Brown Baked Beans

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Dried Navy Beans
• 8 oz. Bacon (chopped)
• 1 Onion (diced)
• 1-2 Jalapeños (diced)
• 1/4 cup Tomato Paste
• 1/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar
• 1/4 cup Molasses
• 4 cups Vegetable Broth
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• Salt (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Soak the dried navy beans in water overnight, ensuring they are covered by at least an inch of water.

Step 2:

Preheat your oven to 250ºF.

Place a cast-iron Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 3:

Add chopped bacon and cook until the fat renders, about 5 minutes.

Add the diced onions and jalapeños, cooking until the onions are soft.

Step 4:

Mix in the tomato paste, dark brown sugar, and molasses.

Stir until the mixture is well combined and sugar is dissolved.

Step 5:

Drain the soaked beans, saving the soaking liquid for later use.

Add the drained beans to the Dutch oven.

Step 6:

In a measuring cup, combine the soaking liquid with 4 cups of vegetable broth.

Pour this mixture over the beans in the Dutch oven.

Add black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste.

Step 7:

Bring the entire mixture to a boil over high heat.

Once boiling, cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to the preheated oven.

Step 8:

Bake it for about 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Serve hot.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Using the freshest beans and vegetables available guarantees the best flavors in your final dish.

Control the Spice Level

Adjust the number of jalapeños to suit your taste preference for spiciness.

Don’t Skip Soaking

Soaking beans overnight significantly reduces the overall cooking time and ensures even cooking.

Monitor Liquid Levels

Check the liquid levels occasionally during baking to prevent the beans from drying out.

Experiment with Sweetness

Feel free to tweak the quantities of brown sugar and molasses to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Enjoy your time in the kitchen and savor the delicious result of this flavorful dish!

What to Serve with Alton Brown Baked Beans

BBQ Ribs

If you’re planning a barbecue, serving BBQ ribs with Alton Brown’s baked beans is a classic and delicious choice.

The smoky flavor of the ribs pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory beans.

Mac and Cheese

Another traditional option is mac and cheese.

The creamy and cheesy texture complements the hearty beans beautifully.

Grilled Vegetables

For something a bit different, you might want to consider grilled vegetables.

They add a fresh and nutritious element to your meal while balancing the rich flavors of the baked beans.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is an unexpected but wonderful side that you might not think to pair with baked beans.

The crispiness and garlic flavor make a great contrast to the beans’ soft texture and deep taste.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw offers a nice crunch and tangy flavor that cuts through the beans’ sweetness.

It’s a refreshing side that lightens up the meal quite well.

Variations and Substitutions

Bacon or No Bacon?

You can add smoky depth using bacon, or substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter option.

If you prefer a vegetarian version, leave out the bacon entirely or opt for a smoked paprika for similar flavor.

Sweeteners

You can adjust the sweetness by using different sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup instead of traditional brown sugar and molasses.

This change can give your baked beans a unique flavor profile.

Spice Level

Customize the heat to your preference by using different chilies or adding more cayenne pepper.

For milder beans, reduce or omit the jalapeños and cayenne entirely.

Liquid Substitutes

Vegetable broth can be a great alternative to the soaking liquid and adds more depth.

If you run out of broth, you can also use chicken broth or even water with some bouillon cubes for added flavor.

Tomato Paste Alternatives

For a different touch, use tomato sauce or diced tomatoes instead of tomato paste.

This makes the beans more saucy and can add a fresh tomato flavor.

How to Store Leftover Alton Brown Baked Beans

Use Airtight Containers

Transfer your leftover Alton Brown Baked Beans into an airtight container.

This can be a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.

Keeping air out helps preserve the beans’ flavor and texture.

Refrigeration Tips

Always store the container in the refrigerator.

Make sure the beans are cooled to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.

Consume your refrigerated beans within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and quality.

Avoid Metal Cans

Never store leftover beans in the metal can they came in.

Transfer them to a non-metallic container to prevent a metallic taste from developing.

Using a ceramic or plastic bowl covered with plastic wrap also works well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Soaking the Beans Properly

One common mistake is not soaking the beans properly before cooking.

You need to soak dry beans to reduce cooking time and improve texture.

Skipping this step can result in unevenly cooked beans that are too hard or too mushy.

Ignoring Seasoning Gradients

Another error is not balancing the seasonings correctly.

Seasonings like salt, pepper, and cayenne should be added in increments rather than all at once.

This allows you to adjust the flavors more accurately to suit your taste.

Mismanaging the Cooking Liquid

The final mistake to avoid is mismanaging the cooking liquid.

Always reserve the soaking liquid and combine it with vegetable broth.

This mix provides a deeper, more robust flavor to your baked beans.

Doing so will significantly enhance the taste and richness of your dish.