Alton Brown Baked Beans Recipe

Alton Brown Baked Beans Recipe is made with Great Northern beans, bacon, onion, jalapeños, molasses, and tomato paste. This recipe creates a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy baked bean dish. It takes about 6 hours and 20 minutes to prepare and serves 10 to 12.

Alton Brown Baked Beans Recipe Ingredients

• 1 pound dried Great Northern beans
• 1 pound bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• Vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon urfa biber (optional but strongly suggested)

How To Make Alton Brown Baked Beans Recipe

1. Soak the Beans: Place the beans in a large container and add enough cold water to submerge them. Soak overnight.
2. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 250ºF.
3. Cook Aromatics: In a cast iron Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon, onion, and jalapeños until the bacon renders enough fat and the onions soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Sweeteners and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, dark brown sugar, and molasses.
5. Combine Beans and Liquid: Drain the soaked beans and reserve the liquid. Add beans to the Dutch oven. Add enough vegetable broth to the soaking liquid to make 4 cups total and pour it in.
6. Season and Boil: Add cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Stir well and bring to a boil over high heat.
7. Bake the Beans: Cover with a lid and bake in the oven for 6 to 8 hours, until the beans are tender.
8. Add Optional Spice: Stir in urfa biber before serving, if using.

Recipe Tips

• Soak Beans Overnight: This softens the beans and reduces cooking time.
• Use a Dutch Oven: It ensures even heat distribution for slow baking.
• Don’t Skip the Jalapeños: They add depth without overpowering heat.
• Watch the Liquid: Make sure you have exactly 4 cups combined liquid to avoid dryness.
• Add Urfa Biber at the End: It enhances the dish with a smoky, earthy flavor.

What To Serve With Baked Beans

These baked beans go great with grilled sausages, barbecue ribs, or cornbread. They also complement coleslaw and potato salad for a full Southern-style meal.

How To Store Baked Beans

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Baked Beans Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 14g
• Sodium: 780mg

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
Yes, but reduce the baking time to 2-3 hours and skip soaking.

Is the urfa biber necessary?
It’s optional but adds a unique smoky heat that complements the dish.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, omit the bacon and use smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, after step 5, transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
Use any heavy oven-safe pot with a lid.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Baked Barley Recipe
• Alton Brown Baked Apples Recipe
• Alton Brown Baked Alaska Recipe