Sweet Baked Beans, a beloved classic that’s been gracing dinner tables for generations. This gem of a recipe is a staple at BBQs, picnics, and family gatherings, bringing a touch of nostalgia and a whole lot of flavor with each spoonful. Originating from Native American cuisine, baked beans have found their way into various cultures, each adding their unique twist to this versatile dish. Our version brings a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of pork and beans. Not to mention the unexpected but oh-so-welcome crunch of dill pickle that just elevates the entire dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – a handful of ingredients, a couple of steps, and voila, you’ve got yourself a crowd-pleaser! As for me, I love it for its comforting warmth, the way it fills your home with a tantalizing aroma as it bakes, and how every bite takes me back to my childhood days. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the delicious world of Sweet Baked Beans!
Ingredients
- 2 small cans pork and beans
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 large dill pickle, chopped
- 1 c. sugar
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. ketchup
- 1 tsp. mustard
Baking Instructions
- Mix altogether in a baking dish.
- Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Spread bacon strips across (optional).
Calorie: 400
Total cooking time: 30 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Great Pork and Beans Saga
So, there I was, standing in my kitchen, staring down two small cans of pork and beans like they were my mortal enemies. Little did I know, they were about to become my closest allies in creating the most delicious, sweet baked beans dish this side of the Mississippi.
The Cast of Characters
First things first, let me introduce our cast of characters. The two small cans of pork and beans, which I’ve already mentioned, were there of course. Then there was the onion, chopped, who was always crying about something. And the large dill pickle, chopped, who always seemed to be in a bit of a pickle (pun intended). On the sweeter side of things, we had 1 cup of sugar, who was always sweet on everyone, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar, who had a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Last but not least were the condiments, the 1 tablespoon of ketchup who was always trying to catch up, and the 1 teaspoon of mustard who was just trying to cut the mustard.
Let the Show Begin
The first order of business was to mix all of these characters together in a baking dish. You’d think it would be easy, right? Just toss ’em all in and give it a good stir. But let me tell you, they didn’t all get along as well as I’d hoped. The onion was making everyone cry, the pork was trying to hog all the room, and the dill pickle… well, he was just dill-ighted to be there.
Into the Fiery Depths
Next, it was time to send them all into the fiery depths of my oven, set at a toasty 350°. I won’t lie, it felt a bit like sending my kids off to their first day of school. I was a little nervous, a little excited, but mostly just hoping I wouldn’t burn the house down. After all, who wants their cooking story to end with a call to the fire department?
The Finishing Touch
Just when I thought my job was done, I remembered one last thing – bacon strips. Now, the recipe said they were optional, but let’s be real, when is bacon ever really optional? So, I spread those beautiful strips across the top, like a meaty quilt, and sent it back into the oven for the last few minutes.
The Sweet Victory
Twenty minutes later, I pulled out the finished product. Sweet baked beans, with a tangy twist of dill pickle, a savory hint of onion, and the comforting, familiar taste of pork. The sugars had melted together with the ketchup and mustard, creating a sweet and tangy sauce that was just to die for. As for the bacon? Well, it was the cherry on top of an already delicious sundae.
Who knew that such a motley crew of ingredients could come together to create something so delicious? I guess it just goes to show you, cooking’s not always about following a recipe to the letter. Sometimes, it’s about the chaos, the mess, and the fun of throwing a bunch of stuff together and seeing what happens. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, you end up with something as mouthwateringly good as these sweet baked beans.
