I don’t usually post breakfast/brunch recipes on my blog, but I’ve been in a bit of a pimping-your-beans phase recently and stumbled across a flavour combination I could not resist sharing with you all! These smoky baked beans have quickly become a weekend staple in my house, and I’m sure they’ll be a hit at yours too.
These sweet, slightly sticky, and deliciously smoky baked beans are both rich and comforting, making them perfect alongside runny eggs and crusty sourdough bread in the morning (or any time of day, really)!
Now, when it comes to beans, go for the good stuff – yep, I’m talking about Heinz. Their beans come in a perfectly rich tomato sauce, which acts as an ideal base for these smoky baked beans.
Of course, you could go the DIY route with raw haricot beans and make your own tomato sauce from scratch, but let’s be honest, who has the time for that on a Saturday morning? These pre-made beans are a lifesaver, giving you a head start whilst still delivering that homemade feel.
Read on for the full recipe!
Method
Follow these steps to make our Smoky Baked Beans
Heat a dash of oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Dice your pancetta (if it isn’t diced already) into 1cm cubes and add to the saucepan. Fry the pancetta for 5 minutes or so, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden and slightly crispy.
Top Tip: For an extra smoky hit of flavour, use a smoked oil like Brock & Morton’s Smoked Rapeseed Oil in place of your regular oil – just delicious!
Whilst your pancetta is getting crispy, dice your pepper and red onion. Your pepper should remain slightly chunky (about the same size of the pancetta), but chop the red onion as finely as you can. Once your pancetta is crispy, add the diced red onion, red pepper, and a few cloves of minced garlic to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
Once your veggies are soft, stir in the chipotle paste, smoked paprika, mustard, cumin, sugar, and a dash of black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spices bloom and become fragrant. The mixture should start to turn sticky and glossy.
Pour in the baked beans into the veggies and spices and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Spoon the smoky baked beans on toasted English muffin and top with a running poached egg. Garnish with a few spring onions, pepper, and a few crispy pancetta pieces. Enjoy!
How To Serve Smoky Baked Beans
These smoky baked beans are as versatile as they are delicious – they can even be prepped ahead of time and enjoyed at a later date. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:
- On their own – Sometimes simplicity is best. A bowl of these beans topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or spring onions makes for a comforting, stand-alone meal.
- With sausages – Serve as part of a hearty breakfast or a classic “beans and bangers” meal with some mashed potato on the side. Smoky beans perfectly complement meaty sausages from your local butchers.
- On a jacket potato – Ladle a generous spoonful over a hot, buttery baked potato for a warming lunch or dinner option that’s packed with flavor and comfort. Jacket sweet potatoes would also work well!
- As a side for grilled meats – These beans pair beautifully with barbecued ribs or grilled chicken, adding a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet contrast to the savoury main dish.
- On toast – The ultimate British classic, but elevated! Spread some butter on crusty sourdough or an English muffin, then top with the smoky baked beans and finish with grated cheese or a poached egg for extra indulgence.
Breakfast Recipes From Savery Grazing
These sweet, spicy, and smoky baked beans are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Simple to make and packed with bold, comforting flavours, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or even as a side dish at your next BBQ!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Brand Of Baked Beans Instead Of Heinz?
Absolutely! Whilst I love Heinz beans for their rich tomato sauce, you can use any brand if you prefer. If the sauce is thinner or less flavourful, you may need to adjust the seasoning or add a bit more chipotle paste/smoked paprika for extra depth.
Can I Make These Smoky Baked Beans Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare these delicious smoky beans in advance. Store the cooked beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it’s dried out a little in the fridge.
Can You Freeze Smoky BBQ Beans?
Yes, you can freeze the beans after cooking. Allow them to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating following the steps above.
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