This copycat Bush’s baked beans recipe uses simple ingredients and pantry staples! It’s got that signature sweet and tangy flavor, just like the original. You’d never guess it’s made completely from scratch!
Open up a can of Bushs Baked Beans
Baked beans are one of those classic sides that remind me of backyard barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings. But let’s be real, the store-bought canned version just doesn’t compare to homemade. That’s why I’m so excited to share my tried and tested dupe for Bush’s baked beans! I promise, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to the canned stuff.
You can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking (something you can’t do with canned beans!) and add in any extra ingredients you want. It’s also super quick to make! From start to finish, it takes just 25 minutes.
Get ready to (figuratively) open up a can of Bush’s baked beans – your family won’t even know the difference!
Why you’ll love this Bush Baked Beans Recipe
- So much better than canned. In my opinion, homemade things always taste better than store-bought. You just can’t beat that fresh, made-from-scratch flavor! This recipe has all the signature flavors of Bush’s baked beans but without any preservatives or additives.
- Customizable to your taste. Like it sweeter? Add a little more brown sugar. Want to up the tanginess? Use more apple cider vinegar! This recipe is the perfect dupe for Bush’s beans but also allows you to make it your own.
- Quick and easy. There aren’t any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients in this recipe. You’ll have delicious, easy baked beans on the table in just 25 minutes!
Bush’s Baked Beans Recipe Ingredients
- Bacon
- Navy beans
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Molasses
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Tumeric
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Water
For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.
How to make the best Baked Beans Using Bush’s Baked Beans
- Cook the bacon and drain the fat out of the pan. Leave any other bits in the pan.
- Drain and rinse the navy beans.
- Combine the navy beans and all the remaining ingredients in the pan.
- Bring to a low simmer.
- Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened, and the flavors have melded.
Bush’s Baked Bean Recipe Variations
This recipe is the perfect base to add your own twist and create different flavor variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- BBQ Baked Beans: Add some of your favorite BBQ sauce for extra smoky flavor! If the brand you use is fairly sweet, reduce the brown sugar used in the recipe.
- Sweet Maple Bacon Beans: Completely remove the brown sugar and add 1/4 cup of maple syrup instead! Smoked bacon would work amazingly with this flavor combination.
- Herb and Garlic Baked Beans: Add some chopped fresh herbs and add a little more garlic powder. I would use thyme, rosemary, and parsley for this variation, but feel free to use whatever herbs you like!
- Hawaiian Baked Beans: Hear me out on this one – add chopped pineapple to the mix! The sweetness and acidity of the pineapple just work with the flavors in this recipe.
- Spicy Baked Beans: Add some chopped jalapenos, green chiles, or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick!
Tips for making this Easy Baked Beans Recipe Using Bush’s Baked Beans
Here are some tips to consider when making this recipe:
- Reduce the Sugar: The recipe, as I’ve written it, is the perfect dupe for Bush’s Baked Beans. I personally prefer my beans to be less sweet, so I use 2 tablespoons of brown sugar instead of 4. You can always start with 2 tablespoons and add more if you want it sweeter.
- Always Sautee the Bacon First: The original Bush’s baked beans have bacon in them, which gives them that smoky flavor. Don’t skip the step of cooking the bacon before adding the remaining ingredients to the pan. This is what gives the beans that delicious bacon flavor!
- Don’t Overcook the Beans: Simmer the navy beans until they’re tender. Overcooking them will make them mushy!
What to serve with this Bush’s Baked Beans Recipe
Use this recipe for a BBQ side dish, or serve it as a main dish with some crusty bread and cheese! There’s no wrong way to enjoy these delicious and easy baked beans.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, these are some of my favorite dishes to pair with baked beans:
- Buttermilk cornbread
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Oven baked pork chops
- Crockpot short ribs
- Stovetop mac and cheese
- Smoked prime rib
- Homemade biscuits
- Breaded oven fried chicken thighs
- Italian herb and cheese bread
Storing leftover Bushs Baked Beans
You can store this homemade baked beans recipe like leftover canned baked beans. Once they’re cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freezing them for up to 6 months is also an option, but just make sure to thaw them before reheating!
Bush Baked Bean Recipe FAQs
Just like this Bush baked beans recipe, the original Bush’s Baked Beans are made with navy beans. Navy beans are also sometimes referred to as white beans or haricot beans, depending on where you’re from.
Easy Baked Beans Recipe Using Bush’s Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup bacon chopped and cooked
- 2 cans navy beans about 15 oz each
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar see note
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon tumeric
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Cook the bacon and drain the fat out of the pan but leave any other bits.
- Drain and rinse the navy beans.
- Combine the navy beans and all the remaining ingredients in the pan.
- Bring to a low simmer.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, until thickened and the flavors have melded.
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