Hairy Bikers Homemade Baked Beans Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Homemade Baked Beans Recipe is hearty and flavorful, which uses dried haricot beans and pancetta. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 3 hours and 20 minutes.

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Hairy Bikers Homemade Baked Beans Ingredients

• 400g dried haricot or cannellini beans
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 red onions, finely chopped
• 150g pancetta or smoked streaky bacon, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp dark muscovado sugar
• 3 tbsp cider vinegar

How To Make Hairy Bikers Homemade Baked Beans

1. Soak the beans: Place beans in a bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight. Next day, drain, rinse, and transfer to a large pan. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Simmer 45–60 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics and meat: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and pancetta. Cook 6–8 minutes until onions are soft and pancetta is golden. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Create the sauce: Stir in chopped tomatoes, muscovado sugar, and cider vinegar. Mix well.
4. Combine and simmer: Add cooked beans and 400ml water. Stir and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook 1.5–2 hours until thickened and beans are tender. Add water if sauce becomes too thick.
5. Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite breakfast items or on toast.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use canned beans instead?
  Yes, use two 400g cans of drained beans. Reduce the simmering time to about 30–40 minutes.
• What’s the best bacon for this recipe?
  Smoked streaky bacon or pancetta adds a great depth of flavor.
• How to make it vegetarian:
  Omit the bacon and add smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavor.
• Can I freeze homemade baked beans?
  Yes, portion and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently.
• How to thicken the sauce:
  Let it simmer uncovered during the last 30 minutes or mash a few beans into the sauce.

What To Serve With Homemade Baked Beans

These savory beans are versatile and pair well with:

• Buttered toast
• Grilled sausages or bacon
• Fried or poached eggs
• Jacket potatoes
• Full English breakfast

How To Store Homemade Baked Beans

Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Homemade Baked Beans Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 260 kcal
• Total Fat: 9.5g
• Saturated Fat: 2.3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 31g
• Dietary Fiber: 12g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 14.6g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make baked beans in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook soaked beans first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

What kind of vinegar should I use?
Cider vinegar adds a mild sweetness, but white wine vinegar also works.

Why soak the beans overnight?
Soaking softens the beans and reduces cooking time.

Can I add spices or herbs?
Absolutely—try bay leaves, smoked paprika, or thyme.

How do I make them sweeter?
Add a bit more muscovado sugar or a spoonful of maple syrup.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Yorkshire Pudding Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Stuffed Pork Fillet Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Roast Chicken Recipe