This homemade baked beans recipe is made with dried haricot beans, pancetta, muscovado sugar, and cider vinegar. The result is a rich, tangy sauce that beats any tin. Ready in under 3 hours, it serves 8.
I make a big batch of these every few weeks and freeze portions for quick breakfasts. They taste even better the next day once the flavours have had time to develop.
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 tin chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp dark muscovado sugar
- 3 tbsp cider vinegar
How To Make Homemade Baked Beans
- Soak the beans: Place the dried beans in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water. Leave them to soak overnight. The next day, drain and rinse well.
- Simmer until tender: Put the soaked beans in a large pan and cover with fresh water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes until tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the pancetta and onions: Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add the red onions and pancetta, then cook for 6–8 minutes until the onions are soft and the meat is golden. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Build the sauce: Add the chopped tomatoes, muscovado sugar, and cider vinegar. Stir well to combine.
- Combine and simmer: Tip the cooked beans into the sauce and add 400ml of water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the beans are very tender.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot on its own or with toast.
What Are the Best Tips for Homemade Baked Beans?
- Always soak overnight: Soaking dried beans overnight helps them cook evenly and become tender. It also cuts the simmering time in half.
- Use smoked bacon for extra depth: If you cannot find pancetta, smoked streaky bacon works just as well. It adds a lovely smoky note to the sauce.
- Add spice if you like heat: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce lifts the flavour. Stir it in with the tomatoes for even distribution.
- Adjust the sweet-sour balance: Taste the beans towards the end of cooking. Add a little more muscovado sugar or cider vinegar until the flavour is just right for you.
- Batch cook and freeze: This recipe makes a generous amount. Let the beans cool, then portion into freezer bags. They freeze well for up to 3 months. Try pairing a portion with a Hairy Bikers sausage casserole for a hearty weeknight dinner.
What Should You Serve With These Beans?
These beans are a natural fit for a full English breakfast alongside sausages, bacon, fried eggs, and grilled tomatoes. They also taste brilliant on a slice of hot, buttered toast for a simple lunch. If you enjoy brunch dishes, try serving them alongside a Hairy Bikers shakshuka for a spread with plenty of variety.
For a more relaxed supper, spoon them over jacket potatoes with a grating of mature Cheddar. They also work well as a side dish with barbecued meats or grilled chicken.
How Should You Store Leftover Beans?
Let the beans cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and actually improve in flavour overnight as the sauce thickens.
For longer storage, freeze portions in sealed bags or containers for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave until piping hot.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Total Fat: 9.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 31g
- Dietary Fibre: 12g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 14.6g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make baked beans from scratch without soaking overnight? You can use a quick-soak method by boiling the beans for 2 minutes, then leaving them to sit in the hot water for 1 hour. Drain and continue with the recipe as normal.
How do Hairy Bikers homemade baked beans compare to Jamie Oliver’s? The Hairy Bikers version uses muscovado sugar and cider vinegar for a sweet-tangy sauce, while Jamie Oliver’s recipe leans on smoked paprika and maple syrup for a smokier finish.
Can you use tinned beans instead of dried? Yes. Use two 400g tins of haricot beans, rinsed and drained. Skip the soaking and simmering steps and add them straight to the sauce. Reduce the final simmer time to about 45 minutes.
Are homemade baked beans healthier than tinned? Homemade beans let you control the sugar and salt levels. Most tinned versions contain added sugar and preservatives, so making them from scratch is a better choice if you are watching your intake.
Can you cook these beans in a slow cooker? Yes. After soaking and boiling the beans, combine everything in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the sauce is thick and the beans are tender. If you enjoy slow cooker recipes, try the Hairy Bikers 3 bean chilli next.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Shakshuka Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Hairy Bikers 3 Bean Chilli Recipe
Hairy Bikers Homemade Baked Beans Recipe
Description
This homemade baked beans recipe uses dried haricot beans simmered in a rich sauce of chopped tomatoes, red onions, garlic, and pancetta, with dark muscovado sugar and cider vinegar for a balanced sweet and tangy flavour. Ready in under 3 hours, it serves 8.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the beans: Place dried beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Soak overnight, then drain and rinse well.
- Simmer until tender: Put soaked beans in a large pan, cover with fresh water, and bring to the boil. Simmer for 45–60 minutes until tender. Drain well.
- Cook the pancetta and onions: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and pancetta, cook for 6–8 minutes until soft and golden. Stir in garlic for 1 minute.
- Build the sauce: Add chopped tomatoes, muscovado sugar, and cider vinegar. Stir well to combine.
- Combine and simmer: Tip the cooked beans into the sauce, add 400ml water, and bring to a simmer. Cook on low for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot on its own or with toast.
