Baked Beans Recipe by Alton Brown for Hearty Comfort Food

Alton Brown’s baked beans are a symphony of smoky, sultry flavors that elevate any meal from mundane to magnificent.

These legumes burst with robust character, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Carefully curated spices and ingredients waltz together, creating a mouthwatering melody of sweet and savory notes.

Slow-cooked to perfection, each spoonful tells a rich, complex story of taste and texture.

The recipe strikes a perfect balance between heat and depth, promising to tantalize even the most discerning palate.

Packed with soul-warming goodness, these beans invite you to experience a delectable journey that transcends ordinary side dishes.

Prepare for a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Alton Brown Baked Beans

• Bacon: Choose thick-cut, smoky bacon for rich depth.
• Jalapenos: Select firm, bright green peppers with smooth skin.
• Onion: Pick firm, heavy onions without soft spots or bruising.

• Vegetable Broth: Look for low-sodium options with clean, natural ingredients.
• Bean Soaking Liquid: Retain original liquid for maximum flavor retention.

• Molasses: Opt for dark molasses with deep, robust flavor.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Select moist, clump-free sugar with intense caramel notes.
• Tomato Paste: Choose organic, thick paste in glass jars for best quality.

• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for balanced mineral taste.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides superior aromatic profile.
• Cayenne Pepper: Select bright red, potent ground pepper.

• Dried Beans: Choose uniform, uncracked beans without discoloration.

Tools for Making Alton Brown Baked Beans

• Cast-Iron Dutch Oven: Heavy-duty pot perfect for slow cooking and even heat distribution.
• Measuring Cup: Essential for precise liquid measurements.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise chopping of bacon, jalapenos, and onions.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Colander: Useful for draining bean soaking liquid.
• Large Container: Ideal for overnight bean soaking.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot Dutch oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Alton Brown Baked Beans

Slow Simmer Spicy Bacon Beans

• Prep Bean Bath

Soak dried beans in cold water overnight, fully submerged to soften and prepare for flavor absorption.

• Build Flavor Foundation

Crisp chopped bacon in a cast-iron Dutch oven, releasing rich fat and creating a smoky base. Toss in diced jalapenos and onions, cooking until vegetables turn translucent and fragrant.

• Create Sweet and Zesty Blend

Drizzle molasses and dark brown sugar into the bacon mixture, stirring in tangy tomato paste to develop a complex flavor profile. Drain beans and fold them into this delicious concoction.

• Liquid Magic

Pour vegetable broth into the bean mixture, seasoning generously with salt, black pepper, and a hint of cayenne for a spicy kick. Stir ingredients until perfectly combined.

• Slow Bake to Perfection

Seal Dutch oven with a tight lid and slide into a low-temperature oven. Allow beans to simmer and meld flavors for 6-8 hours, transforming into a rich, tender, and wildly delicious side dish that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

Tips and Variations for Alton Brown Baked Beans

Flavor Twists and Smart Cooking Hacks

Replace bacon with smoked turkey, pancetta, or vegetarian bacon bits for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.

Adjust cayenne and jalapenos to create mild, medium, or fiery bean experience by increasing or decreasing pepper quantities according to personal heat tolerance.

Prepare beans up to 3 days in advance and store in refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and intensify overnight; reheat gently before serving.

No Dutch oven? Use heavy-bottomed stockpot with tight-fitting lid, transferring ingredients from stovetop to oven for consistent slow-cooking technique.

Serving Suggestions for Alton Brown Baked Beans

• Serve Hot and Fresh: Ladle the steaming beans into deep ceramic bowls, capturing the rich, smoky aroma and vibrant colors.
• Pair with Comfort Sides: Complement the hearty beans with warm cornbread, crispy coleslaw, or tangy pickled vegetables for a complete meal experience.
• Create Versatile Leftovers: Transform remaining beans into delicious toppings for nachos, stuffed into burritos, or mixed into a rustic salad for next-day enjoyment.
• Garnish with Zest: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to add brightness and enhance the complex flavor profile of the beans.

Storage Information for Alton Brown Baked Beans

• Preserve Peak Flavor: Store cooked beans in airtight containers within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their rich, smoky taste and creamy texture.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Transfer cooled beans to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, where they'll stay delicious for 3 months without losing their robust flavor profile.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion beans into individual servings before refrigerating or freezing, making quick weeknight meals a breeze and reducing food waste.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated beans gently in a saucepan with a splash of broth, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and preserve their original mouth-watering consistency.

Hearty Alton Brown Baked Beans Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s baked beans showcase a classic American comfort dish with complex layers of smoky, sweet flavors. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a rich side that complements grilled meats and summer gatherings you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) dried Great Northern beans
• 1 lb (454 g) bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 jalapenos, chopped
• ¼ cup (60 ml) molasses
• ¼ cup (50 g) dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) tomato paste
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Vegetable broth (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Bean Preparation: Meticulously rinse and sort dried beans, discarding any imperfect legumes. Submerge beans in cold water, ensuring 2 inches of liquid coverage, and soak for 8-12 hours at room temperature.
2. Bacon and Vegetable Prep: Slice bacon into uniform pieces and finely chop onions and jalapeños. In a cast-iron Dutch oven, render bacon over medium heat until slightly crisp, then incorporate onions and jalapeños, sautéing until translucent and aromatic.
3. Flavor Foundation: Introduce molasses, dark brown sugar, and tomato paste to the bacon-vegetable mixture, creating a rich, caramelized base. Drain soaked beans, reserving the soaking liquid, and add to the Dutch oven.
4. Liquid Integration: Blend reserved soaking liquid with vegetable broth to achieve a total liquid volume. Pour the mixture over beans, ensuring complete coverage. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne, stirring thoroughly.
5. Slow Cooking Process: Secure the Dutch oven lid and place in a preheated oven at 250°F (121°C). Slow cook for 6-8 hours, intermittently monitoring moisture and bean tenderness. Remove when beans are exceptionally soft and the liquid has reduced to a thick, glossy consistency.

Notes

• Soak Strategically: Use cold water and allow 8-12 hours for beans to soften, preventing tough texture and ensuring even cooking.
• Bacon Basics: Render bacon slowly to release maximum flavor and create a rich, aromatic base for the beans.
• Liquid Leverage: Maintain adequate moisture by combining soaking liquid and broth, preventing beans from drying out during long, slow cooking.
• Patience Pays Off: Low and slow oven temperature (250°F) guarantees tender, deeply flavored beans with a luxurious, glossy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg