What to Eat With Baked Beans in 2025

Baked beans are a comforting, flavorful dish made (usually) from navy beans slow-cooked in a sweet and savory sauce. While their roots trace back to Native American cuisine, nowadays baked beans have become especially popular in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Different cultures have unique ways of enjoying baked beans. In the U.S., they’re a classic barbecue side, while in the U.K., they’re famously served on toast for breakfast or a quick meal. Whether canned for convenience or homemade for depth of flavor, baked beans are versatile and satisfying.

They can be enjoyed solo or paired with a wide variety of dishes to create a heartier plate. If you're wondering what to eat with baked beans, there are plenty of tasty combinations that can complement their rich, tangy-sweet taste. In this article, I gathered several easy-to-make recipes that pair with or include baked beans, so stay tuned until the end!

1. Frank & Beans Dog

Ingredients

• 8 Martin’s long potato rolls

• 8 hot dogs (I prefer all-beef)

• 8 slices of bacon

• 1 can (16 oz) of baked beans

• 1 medium white onion (diced)

• Salt, pepper, and mustard, to taste

Method

1. Cook the bacon how you like it (on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave). Once it's nice and crispy, set it aside to cool.

2. Meanwhile, warm the baked beans according to the instructions on the can, and dice the white onion.

3. Fire up the grill and cook the hot dogs until they're nicely browned and heated through. If a grill is not available, you can also use a grill pan on the stove.

4. Place each hot dog in a potato roll. Spoon some baked beans over the top, then crumble on the cooled bacon. 

5. Finish with onion and a drizzle of mustard. Serve and enjoy!

Overview

In just 20 minutes, you can have a savory, smoky, sweet, and a little messy (in the best way) meal. The combination of hot dogs, bacon, baked beans, and onions is filling and packed with nutrients. It’s one of the easiest ways to introduce more beans to your diet.

This is the perfect meal when you don’t have much in the fridge. I made this on a whim, one afternoon when I didn’t feel like going grocery shopping, and it instantly became a crowd favorite. 

The recipe and preparation are simple, and I think it’s perfect for casual cookouts, game days, or anytime you want to kick back with something indulgent and nostalgic. Best enjoyed with a cold drink in hand and a few napkins nearby!

2. Beans on Toast

Ingredients

• 4 thick slices of multigrain seeded bread

• 1 can (16 oz) of baked beans in tomato sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp of butter

• Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Method

1. Place a saucepan over medium heat and add the beans. Let them warm up, stirring occasionally. Once they start to bubble, lower the heat and let them simmer until they're completely warmed through and the sauce reaches the thickness you want.

2. Meanwhile, toast the bread to your preferred level. Once toasted, spread a light layer of butter on each slice.

3. Place the buttered slices of toast on plates (2 slices per serving).

4. When the beans are ready, divide them into 4 and spoon them generously over each slice of toast. Add some grated Parmesan on top and serve right away. Bon Appétit!

Overview

Who doesn’t love a classic? Baked Beans on Toast is the ultimate quick, comforting, and surprisingly nutritious go-to meal. The contrast between the soft beans and the crispy toast is just spot on. 

If you ask me, it’s the perfect breakfast. This British classic packs over 20 grams of protein, loads of complex carbs and fiber for lasting energy, and a solid dose of vitamins and minerals. 

Still, whether you’re fixing up breakfast, a speedy lunch, or a light dinner, it never disappoints. I like to add a splash of chili sauce and a side salad to keep things fresh, colorful, and full of flavour.

3. Full English Breakfast

Ingredients

• ½ can (16 oz) of baked beans (Heinz is the traditional option)

• 2 breakfast sausages

• 2 slices of bacon

• 2 medium-sized mushrooms (button or champignon)

• 1 ripe tomato (cut into thick slices, lengthwise)

• 1 large egg

• 1 slice of bread (best when it’s a couple of days old)

• Oil for cooking

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Ketchup, for serving

Method

1. Place a flat grill plate or pan over low heat, and brush the surface with a small amount of light olive oil. Add the sausages and let them cook slowly for about 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown. When fully cooked, remove the sausages from the heat and place them in a closed container so they’ll stay warm.

2. Place the bacon on the grill and cook for 2–4 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your preferred level of crispiness. When done, place in the closed container next to the sausages.

3. Trim the stalks off the mushrooms so they’re flush with the caps. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Place them stalk-side up on the grill plate. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes. Set aside once done.

4. Season the tomato slices with salt and pepper, then drizzle with a touch of olive oil. Place them on the grill plate and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. Flip, season again, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until they’re tender but still hold their shape. Set aside when done.

5. In a small pot, heat up the beans over low heat. Keep the heat on low, so the beans warm up slowly.

6. Place a separate pan over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom. Fry the bread for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. If needed, add a little more oil as it cooks. Remove from the pan and set aside.

7. In the same pan, add a bit more oil and fry the egg to your liking. Season, and remove carefully with a spatula.

8. Once everything is ready, assemble everything on a plate (the beans go in the center). For the final touch, add a good squeeze of tomato ketchup. Serve hot and enjoy!

Overview

A Full English breakfast is the ultimate indulgence to start your day. Also known as a “fry-up,” this hearty classic is packed with flavor and texture: crispy bacon, juicy sausages, runny eggs, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, a scoop of baked beans, and golden fried bread to soak it all up. It’s rich, satisfying, and a bit indulgent, in the best way possible. 

The best thing about this recipe is how customizable it is – personally, I omit the black pudding! Pair it with a strong cup of English breakfast tea (or coffee if that’s your jam), and don’t forget a splash of milk or sugar if you like it cozy. 

Fry-ups are notoriously hearty meals. A “single” serving is actually great for sharing! 

4. Baked Bean Chili

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 3 cans (28 oz each) baked beans

• 1 can (46 oz) tomato juice

• 1 can (11 ½ oz) V8 juice

• 1 envelope of chili seasoning

• Sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced jalapenos (for topping)

Method

1. Place the Dutch oven (or cast iron skillet) over medium heat. Add the ground beef and let it cook, breaking it up as it browns. Continue cooking until there’s no pink remaining, then drain off any excess fat.

2. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot and stir well to combine. Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Serve hot, in bowls topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapeños. Enjoy!

Overview

Who says you must wait hours before you can enjoy a bowl of hot, steamy chili? This version, with baked beans, is my go-to when I want something hearty, cozy, and fast. It’s rich, saucy, and flavorful, with just the right balance of smoky spice and a subtle sweetness from the baked beans.

You can whip this up one chilly evening when friends drop by unexpectedly, and it will be a total hit. It’s the kind of soupy, warming chili you'd imagine getting from a cozy diner. Serve it with crusty bread and a fresh side salad, and you've got an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner.

5. Baked Beans & Pork Chops

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops (preferably center cut)

• 4 cups canned cannellini beans

• ½ cup tomato sauce

• 4-5 cups water or broth

• ¼ cup white wine

• 1 onion (finely diced)

• 1 celery (finely diced)

• 1 carrot (diced)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 4 tbsp avocado oil

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tbsp dry oregano

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and season the pork chops with a tablespoon of oil, salt, and pepper. Add a bit of oil in a pan, over medium-high heat, and sear the pork chops for 2 minutes per side until nicely browned.

2. Pour in the wine and let it simmer until it is mostly evaporated. Remove the pork chops and transfer them to a baking dish.

3. Using the same pan, sauté the chopped onion, celery, and carrot until they soften. Stir in the minced garlic, your chosen spices, tomato paste, and tomato sauce.

4. Add the beans and water to cover them. Let everything cook together for a minute, allowing the flavors to blend.

5. Pour the mixture over the pork chops in the baking dish and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until everything is bubbling and the sauce has thickened.

6. Serve in bowls, next to a slice of sourdough toast or pickles. Bon Appetit!

Overview

When the days get cooler and comfort food calls, this dish is the answer. The pork chops come out perfectly tender and juicy, while the beans are soft, creamy, and packed with cozy flavors. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm blanket.

I keep the seasoning straightforward, but this doesn’t mean there’s no flavor. Garlic and onion lay the foundation, while paprika and oregano add a beautiful depth. Meanwhile, the tomato sauce brings just the right touch of sweetness to pull it all together. It smells amazing while it cooks and tastes even better.

I love serving this on a chilly evening with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up all the saucy goodness. It’s hearty, homey, and always a hit at the dinner table.

FAQ

Can baked beans be a main course or just a side dish?

Baked beans can absolutely be both a side dish and a main course, depending on how they're prepared and served. To make them a main dish, add protein-rich ingredients like ground beef, sausage, or even plant-based alternatives.

What can I eat with baked beans for breakfast?

Baked beans are a breakfast staple in many parts of the world, especially in the UK. They're commonly served as part of a Full English Breakfast, but you can also enjoy them on buttered toast with a poached or scrambled egg. 

Are baked beans healthy, and what are good healthy pairings?

They can be a healthy option, especially if you choose low-sugar, low-sodium varieties or make them from scratch. Beans are rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and essential nutrients like iron and folate.