My son’s Fiancée made baked beans as part of a lovely brunch. It was served, among other dishes, with soft scrambled eggs. A delicious combination!

Ingredients (4 servings)

2 cans cannellini beans (or 3 cups cooked, drained)

½ onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp tomato paste

¼ cup ketchup (or crushed tomatoes)

2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar

1 tbsp molasses (key for classic flavor)

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1–2 tbsp olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

 Optional (but very traditional):

2–3 strips bacon, chopped

1. Build the flavor base

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

Add onion → cook until soft (5–7 min).

Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.

2. Make the sauce

Add:

Tomato paste

Ketchup / tomatoes

Maple syrup

Molasses

Mustard

Smoked paprika

Stir and let it bubble for 2–3 minutes.

3. Add beans

Fold in the cannellini beans + a splash of water (¼ cup).

Season with salt & pepper.

4. Bake (key step!)

Transfer to an oven-safe dish.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–35 minutes until thick and slightly caramelized on top.

🔥 Tips for the best baked beans

Don’t skip molasses → that deep, classic baked-bean flavor

Add a splash more vinegar at the end → balances sweetness

⸻