Baked beans have been a staple in many cuisines for nearly two centuries. Their rich history dates back to the early 1800s, when they first appeared in American cookbooks. Initially, baked beans weren’t actually baked – they were simply cooked and then canned with a sweet and savory sauce. The canning process involved blanching white beans and adding them to the can along with the sauce, before sealing it.
It wasn’t until the beans and sauce were inside the sealed can that the baking process began. Interestingly, the original recipe took inspiration from Boston Baked Beans, which traditionally contained pork. However, due to a pork shortage during World War II, manufacturers opted to omit the pork, resulting in the pork-free recipe we know today. When it comes to pairing baked beans with other dishes, the options are vast.
In the UK, Ireland, and Scotland, they’re often served with toast, while in the US, they’re commonly served as a side dish alongside various main courses – think roasted meats, sandwiches, salads, and more. Bread is also a popular partner, whether it’s cornbread, biscuits, or something else entirely. The possibilities are endless, making baked beans an incredibly versatile ingredient.
Baby Back Ribs
Savor the tender, flavorful experience of these delectable ribs! While pork baby back ribs are the star of the show, you’re free to substitute beef if that’s your preference. The magic lies in the harmonious balance of salty, tangy, and sweet notes that meld together to create fall-off-the-bone tenderness. For an added layer of depth, consider baking or grilling these bad boys – just be sure to allocate at least 2-3 hours for cooking time to truly unlock their full potential.
Pineapple Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Experience the classic taste of America with a unique tropical flair! By incorporating pineapple into your dish as it cooks, you’ll discover a delightful balance of tanginess and sweet, fruity notes. For added depth and heat, consider adding jalapeno peppers and chili powder to give your dish a spicy kick. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit these ingredients to suit your taste.
Barbecue Chicken
When it comes to barbecue, baked beans are an unbeatable match. This Chicken Barbecue dish proves that point, with its tender and flavorful chicken pieces perfectly complemented by a sweet and smoky bean accompaniment.
For the chicken itself, a lengthy marination process is essential – at least 6 hours of soaking in flavors to get it just right. But once you’ve got your marinade game on point, cooking is surprisingly swift, with each slice taking only 6 minutes to cook through.
If you’re looking for a taste of something different, why not try our Mild Blackened Chicken recipe in the air fryer? The crispy texture and rich flavors will surely satisfy your cravings.
Cheeseburgers
When it comes to pairing with this side dish, another grilled favorite that’s hard to resist is a classic hamburger. What makes this recipe so exceptional is its versatility – you can easily cook it on both the stovetop and grill. The best part? You have complete freedom to customize your burger with an endless array of toppings, from melted cheese and crispy bacon to juicy tomatoes and tangy pickles. And let’s not forget about the lettuce – the perfect crunch to round out your meal!
To ensure that your burger patties remain nice and moist, a simple trick is to mix some breadcrumbs into the beef. This clever hack will keep your patty from drying out, resulting in a truly satisfying bite.
Honey Baked Ham
For those looking to simplify their meal prep, reheating spiral sliced ham is a great place to start. Since this type of ham is already fully cooked, you won’t need to worry about cooking it from scratch. Instead, you can focus on creating a delicious glaze and finishing it off in the oven. To achieve the perfect reheated ham, simply pour your chosen glaze over the spiral sliced ham, then bake until caramelized.
As for my top tip for reheating honeybaked ham, it’s all about achieving that perfect balance of flavors. By following these simple steps and paying attention to the temperature and cooking time, you’ll be able to recreate the iconic honeybaked ham flavor in the comfort of your own home.
Beef Brisket
When it comes to beef brisket, smoking is a popular way to achieve that rich, deep flavor. However, what if you don’t have access to a smoker? Fear not! A clever trick is to use hickory liquid smoke to replicate the smoky taste in your oven-baked brisket. Simply marinate the beef overnight in your refrigerator and then cook it low and slow in the oven for around 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and juicy.
Sausage & Scrambled Eggs Casserole
While many people are familiar with baked beans as a staple at dinner tables, few consider them a viable option for breakfast. However, when paired with scrambled eggs and sausage, the result is a satisfying and filling meal that’s sure to start your day off right. This recipe takes the classic combination of eggs, cheese, and toast to new heights by incorporating cubed bread and sharp cheddar into a casserole-style dish. Simply mix, bake, and serve – it’s as easy as it is delicious!
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
While it’s hard to improve on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, this recipe takes the comfort food to new heights. Gone are the ordinary slices of bread and bland cheese – instead, we’re talking about a gourmet twist with the addition of crumbly feta cheese and sweet, juicy tomatoes nestled in crusty bread. The result is a sophisticated snack that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Twice Baked Potatoes
This delightful dish is a harmonious blend of savory, cheesy, and starchy flavors that pair perfectly with the sweetness of your saucy beans. Despite its simplicity, the recipe offers ample opportunities for customization to suit your personal taste preferences.
Feel free to introduce contrasting notes by adding a dollop of sour cream. Alternatively, if you crave a stronger garlicky flavor, consider incorporating chopped garlic, roasted garlic, or even garlic powder into the potato mixture.
With these tweaks, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.
Shepherd’s Pie
Elevate your comfort food game by trying out a hearty casserole that combines the best of both worlds – creamy mashed potatoes, rich ground beef and lamb, and an array of colorful vegetables. For those who may not be fond of lamb’s distinct flavor, rest assured that you can easily swap it with ground pork or chicken for a similar outcome.
Chicken Pot Pie
When discussing pies, one versatile option worth mentioning is a flaky-crusted pot pie filled with meaty goodness. Not only does it make for a satisfying main course when served alongside baked beans, but it’s also an excellent way to repurpose leftover shredded chicken if you have some on hand. To ensure a successful outcome, it’s crucial to pay attention to the filling’s consistency; avoid making it too runny, lest your pie turn out soggy and disappointing.
Fried Chicken
Achieving that perfect crispiness on the exterior of fried chicken can be a daunting task. However, by incorporating a simple yet effective technique into your cooking process, you can easily achieve the desired result. The key lies in adding a small amount of cornstarch to your flour mixture and ensuring that you’re cooking at the optimal temperature.
Roasted Chicken
When craving a harmonious pairing with baked beans, consider this delectable chicken dish. To ensure juicy, tender flesh and a satisfying crunch on the outside, a flavorful herb butter is applied liberally to the bird’s surface. By rubbing this same butter under the skin, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of drying out the meat, resulting in a more succulent final product. Additionally, this technique infuses the chicken with an abundance of rich, savory flavor.
Meatloaf
When the classic flavors of meatloaf meet the rich, smoky taste of baked beans, the result is a heartwarming and familiar American dinner that’s sure to please. This unexpected pairing is a masterclass in comfort food, elevating both dishes to new heights. The combination creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Oven-Roasted Pork Chops
Oven-roasted pork chops are a straightforward yet mouthwatering option that pairs beautifully with baked beans. For those who aren’t fans of the tangy flavor profile of Ranch dressing, there are numerous alternatives to explore. Cajun, Italian, or Taco seasoning blends can add a delightful twist to your dish. Alternatively, you can opt for a more classic garlic herb mix, crafted by combining chopped garlic, butter, and fresh parsley.
This understated combination allows the natural flavors of the pork chops to shine through while still providing an aromatic boost.
Buttermilk Biscuits
With this recipe, the intimidation factor surrounding homemade biscuit-making is a thing of the past. The process is remarkably straightforward, requiring just six ingredients and about half an hour of your time to yield a batch of eight tender, flaky, and buttery treats. And if you need more, simply double the recipe with ease.
Cheddar & Broccoli Cornbread
Cornbread, a dense and cheesy delight, is another bread-like dish that’s sure to satisfy. Its rich flavor profile makes it a perfect match for baked beans when feasting on barbecue, and surprisingly, it can also hold its own as a standalone treat. If you want to take your cornbread game to the next level, consider mixing in some chunky goodness like chopped ham, bacon bits, or even sausage before baking – the possibilities are endless!
Lamb Chops
Indulge in the harmonious fusion of lemony and garlicky flavors with this delightful lamb chops recipe, perfect for a family dinner. To achieve the ideal balance of juicy pink center and crispy exterior, opt for lamb chops that are at least an inch thick. If you prefer a milder version, simply omit the pepper flakes that add a burst of flavor to each piece before searing.
Beef Birria Tacos
Mexican cuisine pairs surprisingly well with the flavors of sweet and smoky baked beans. In fact, adding a spoonful or two of these beans to your tacos can elevate their flavor profile in a fascinating way. The sweetness of the beans complements the heat from chili peppers, saltiness from cumin, and smokiness from grilled meats, creating a harmonious balance that will leave you wanting more.
Baked Cod
While it’s understandable to question whether fish would pair well with this side dish, this recipe may just change your mind. The combination of crispy, salty, and flaky baked cod with soft, buttery, and slightly sweet green beans is a match made in heaven. The contrasting textures and flavors will have you thinking twice about the classic notion that fish doesn’t belong on the same plate as beans.
Cumin Roasted Vegetable Salad
When it comes to an all-veggie dinner, this roasted vegetable recipe is a must-try. The cumin adds a depth of warmth and earthy flavor that elevates the dish to new heights. One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility – feel free to add your favorite veggies, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini, which all roast beautifully.
Broiled Lobster
While often overlooked, this unassuming accompaniment surprisingly harmonizes beautifully with lobster. The bold, savory essence of these beans provides a delightful contrast to the delicate flavor of the crustacean. This unlikely pairing is definitely worth exploring – give it a go and discover the unexpected delight for yourself!
Skillet Cheesy Beef & Macaroni
While some might consider mac and cheese a humble side dish, it’s entirely possible to elevate it to main course status by incorporating an array of ingredients. By adding ground beef, a medley of vegetables, and a pinch of carefully chosen spices, you can transform this comforting classic into a satisfying meal. This recipe serves as a perfect illustration of just how easy it is to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Pot Roast
It’s time to bring out the trusty crockpot for a deliciously effortless cooking experience. This slow-cooked Pot Roast recipe is perfect for those days when you crave a rich, meaty dish with minimal fuss. Simply sear the roast, place it in your slow cooker, set the timer, and let the appliance work its magic over the course of 8 hours. As the timer ticks away, the aroma of tender beef and savory flavors will fill the air, signaling that dinner is just around the corner.
Duck Confit
To culminate our list, we’ll explore a recipe that necessitates only three ingredients to prepare. Confit meat refers to the process of cooking it slowly in its own fat. In this particular dish, duck legs are cooked in duck fat (or alternative fat sources if duck fat is unavailable) for two hours in the oven. As the final touch, crisp up the skin by either broiling the legs or pan-frying them with the skin side facing down, ready to be served.
The bottom line
Baked beans may have been a staple in many households for centuries, but their versatility is often overlooked. This side dish can be paired with an array of main courses, transcending time and culinary boundaries. From roasted meats to grilled fish, barbecued vegetables, fried poultry, smoked sausages, and baked goods, the options are endless.
Whether you’re cooking up a storm or looking for inspiration to serve alongside your favorite baked beans, this list provides a wealth of ideas to elevate your meal. With their history dating back to the early 1800s, it’s no wonder people have been experimenting with what to pair with baked beans for nearly two centuries – and now you can too!
