If you’ve ever had a full English breakfast or tried some classic British comfort food, you’ve probably encountered the hearty goodness of British baked beans. This dish is as iconic as a cup of tea in the UK, and for good reason! They’re rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, these beans bring a little taste of Britain right into your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
British Baked Beans are not your typical beans in tomato sauce! With a rich and slightly tangy sauce, they’re packed with flavor and the perfect side dish to accompany everything from crispy bacon to scrambled eggs. Not only are they super easy to make, but they’re also incredibly versatile—ideal for lazy weekends, a cozy family dinner, or even served on toast for a quick, filling meal.
Plus, you can make a big batch and store them for later—no one will ever complain about leftovers when these beans are involved!
Ingredients
You can find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need to get started:
- Canned white beans (like haricot beans)
- Tomato puree
- Brown sugar
- Vinegar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Mustard
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Remember, for the full list and measurements, make sure to check the detailed ingredients section below!
Directions
Step 1: Heat the Base
Start by heating some olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add your tomato puree and cook for about 2 minutes. This gives the tomato base a deep, rich flavor that will make your beans even more irresistible.
Step 2: Add the Liquids
Next, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and a dash of mustard. This combination will create that perfect balance of tangy, savory, and a touch of sweetness. Stir everything together, letting it simmer for another minute to blend the flavors.
Step 3: Add the Beans
Now it’s time to add in your canned white beans. Pour them in and gently stir to coat them in the tomato sauce. Let the beans simmer away on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the beans absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
Step 4: Season to Taste
After simmering, taste your beans. You’ll likely need to add a bit of salt, pepper, and a touch more brown sugar to get the right balance of flavors. This is your chance to make them perfect for your taste!
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Once everything is well-seasoned and heated through, it’s time to serve! You can enjoy these British Baked Beans on their own, or serve them up as part of a full meal.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use quality beans: While canned beans are convenient, try to use a good-quality brand of haricot beans for the best texture and flavor.
- Slow cook for depth: If you have time, let the beans simmer on low heat for longer. The longer they cook, the more flavorful the sauce will become.
- Perfectly balance the sweetness: Brown sugar is the key to achieving the traditional sweet taste in British Baked Beans. However, adjust the amount to your preference—some like it a bit sweeter, others a little more tangy.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- For a smoky flavor: Add a touch of smoked paprika or a few dashes of liquid smoke for a subtle smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with the beans.
- Vegan option: Skip the Worcestershire sauce (which contains anchovies) and use a vegan-friendly version. Alternatively, you could opt for a bit of soy sauce for a similar depth of flavor.
- Spicy beans: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mix!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
British Baked Beans are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways:
- On toast: This is a classic! Serve your baked beans over buttered toast for a traditional British breakfast. Add a fried egg on top for extra protein.
- With sausages: A full English breakfast isn’t complete without a good sausage. Pair these beans with grilled sausages or bacon for a hearty meal.
- With jacket potatoes: Serve these beans as a topping for baked potatoes for a filling and satisfying dinner.
- In a baked potato: For an easy lunch, spoon them into a baked potato, topped with a bit of grated cheese and sour cream.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers, they store really well! Simply let the beans cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply place them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they’re warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a quick option—just be sure to stir them halfway through.
4 FAQs
- Can I make British Baked Beans ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, they taste even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. You can store them in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
- What kind of beans should I use? Traditionally, British Baked Beans use haricot beans, which are small, white beans. You can also use navy beans or any white beans you prefer.
- Can I freeze these baked beans? Yes, they freeze wonderfully! Let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm them up on the stove.
- How can I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce, just simmer the beans for longer, uncovered. The sauce will reduce and thicken naturally. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans to create a thicker texture.
Conclusion
British Baked Beans are a true comfort food that you can make from scratch with just a few simple ingredients. They’re versatile, flavorful, and can be served in countless ways—whether you’re enjoying them on toast or as a side to a larger meal. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a dish that’s both hearty and delicious, guaranteed to be a hit in your home!
Print
British Baked Beans: A Comforting Classic for Any Day
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
British Baked Beans are a savory and tangy comfort food, rich in flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness. A true classic in British cuisine, they are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dinner and can be served in various ways like on toast, with sausages, or as a topping for jacket potatoes.
Ingredients
- Canned white beans (haricot beans): 2 cans (400g/14 oz each)
- Tomato puree: 3 tablespoons
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Vinegar (white or malt): 1 tablespoon
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Mustard (Dijon or yellow): 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
-
Heat the Base
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add tomato puree and cook for about 2 minutes. -
Add the Liquids
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and mustard. Let simmer for 1 minute. -
Add the Beans
Pour in the canned white beans, stir to coat them in the sauce, and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
Season to Taste
Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and brown sugar to your preference. -
Serve & Enjoy
Serve the beans as a side dish or over toast, bacon, eggs, or jacket potatoes.
Notes
- Quality of Beans: For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality haricot beans.
- Slow Cooking: Let the beans simmer for longer to deepen the flavor of the sauce.
- Sweetness Balance: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste—some prefer sweeter beans, while others lean toward tangy.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg