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Home-Canned Better-Than-Bush’s Baked Beans: A Homemade Delight

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Few things say comfort food like a hearty plate of baked beans. Whether served as a side dish at a summer barbecue or as a warm winter meal, baked beans have a way of bringing people together. While store-bought varieties like Bush’s Baked Beans are undeniably convenient and delicious, nothing compares to the satisfaction of creating your own version at home. By canning your own baked beans, you can tailor the flavors to your liking, control the ingredients, and enjoy the convenience of having ready-to-eat jars whenever you need them.

This blog will guide you through making home-canned baked beans that are every bit as flavorful as the iconic Bush’s, with a personal touch that takes them to the next level

Why Home-Canned Baked Beans?

  1. Customizable Flavor: You can adjust the sweetness, smokiness, and spice levels to suit your preferences.
  2. Healthier Ingredients: By making them yourself, you avoid unnecessary preservatives, additives, and excess sodium.
  3. Cost-Effective: Home-canned beans are more affordable, especially when making larger batches.
  4. Long Shelf Life: Canned correctly, your beans will last for up to a year, making them a perfect pantry staple.

The Key Ingredients

Creating the perfect homemade baked beans involves balancing flavors and choosing quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Beans

  • Navy Beans: Small, tender, and creamy, these are the traditional choice for baked beans. You can also use great northern beans or pinto beans.

Sauce Base

  • Tomato Sauce: For the rich, tangy backbone of the sauce.
  • Molasses: Adds depth and sweetness, giving baked beans their signature flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances the tangy and smoky notes with sweetness.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a slight tang to brighten the dish.
  • Mustard: A hint of tangy sharpness to round out the flavor.

Seasonings

  • Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that form the foundation of flavor.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky undertone without requiring bacon or ham.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste.
  • Cayenne or Chili Powder: For those who enjoy a little heat.

Optional Add-Ins

  • Liquid Smoke: For an extra smoky flavor.
  • Bacon or Ham Hocks: For a non-vegetarian version, these add a hearty, savory depth.

Tools You’ll Need

  1. Pressure Canner: Essential for safely canning low-acid foods like baked beans.
  2. Canning Jars: Pint or quart jars, sterilized and ready for use.
  3. Canning Tools: A jar lifter, funnel, and lid magnet make the process much easier.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Home-Canned Baked Beans

Ingredients (for 6–8 pints)

  • 4 cups dried navy beans
  • 6 cups water (for soaking and cooking beans)
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional)

Instructions

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