British Baked Beans

A curious feature of British baked beans is that they don’t contain the pork, bacon or ham you’ll often find in baked beans closer to home. Yet these British beans are still a national classic and essential for a Full English breakfast. Their sweet, tangy sauce brings everything together.

You can also slather these beans over buttery toast for some filling and affordable comfort food. The main reason to try this British baked beans recipe at home is to cut back on the sugar and salt in many commercial brands and customize the flavors to your taste.

Ingredients for British Baked Beans

• Olive oil: A good, well-rounded oil for frying off the aromatics.
• Onion: Chopped onion gives the beans some sweetness and aroma.
• Garlic: These beans aren’t especially garlicky, but a little minced garlic leaves a hint.
• Tomato paste: A tangy concentrate to boost the tomato flavors and color.
• Navy beans: Rinse and drain navy beans, a small white bean that turns soft easily.
• Tomatoes: Pick a can of small diced tomatoes with no herbs or sugars added to build the sauce.
• Brown sugar: It’s a sweet dish, and there’s no better way to sweeten it than brown sugar.
• Molasses: Thick, syrupy molasses give a complex sweet, tangy and salty flavor and thicken the sauce.
• Yellow mustard: You want a bit of bite to the sauce and mustard delivers some heat.
• Cider vinegar: Baked beans can taste too starchy without the acidity in cider vinegar.
• Worcestershire sauce: A standard condiment in the spiritual home of British baked beans. It adds a wealth of flavor.
• Salt: This seasoning brings the combined flavors together.
• Pepper: Just a little pepper can add some pleasant heat

Directions

Step 1: Fry the onions to make the base of the sauce

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In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and fry for four to five minutes until soft and a little crispy. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, stir and fry one minute longer.

Step 2: Add the sauce and simmer

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Stir in the navy beans, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, molasses, yellow mustard, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce is thick.

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Editor’s Tip: The sugars in British baked beans can scorch easily so make sure to stir continuously while simmering.

Recipe Variations

• Top with cheese: Lay a slice of American cheese on top and melt it under the broiler.
• Add bacon: Toss in some cooked, diced bacon or strips for a salty flavor and smokiness.
• Splash with sauce: Beans can handle flavor; boost with a little tabasco sauce for spice or soy sauce for saltiness.

How to Store British Baked Beans

You can refrigerate British baked beans in an airtight container for three to five days. Make sure it’s covered so that the sauce doesn’t develop a skin. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can you freeze British baked beans?

Beans are such an affordable and available item that you don’t really need to stockpile them for later. But if you do want to freeze them, store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

British Baked Beans Tips

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What to serve with British baked beans?

British beans are usually a breakfast item but can be a quick afternoon snack. Serve the beans on toast, use as the filling in a toasted sandwich or baked potato or serve on the side of some spicy sausage links.

Are there any alternatives to navy beans?

Heinz use navy/haricot beans in their iconic British baked beans but you can substitute them with any small and soft white beans. If you like a tougher skin rather than beans that turn creamy, experiment with kidney or black beans.

Can you use dry beans?

Some people find that they can’t get the texture with canned beans, so if you’re working with dry beans you’ll need to soak them overnight, drain and simmer in freshwater for 1-1/2 hours, removing the foam at regular intervals.