--- Love beans? Don't miss Secrets of The Factories, a four-part documentary series, Saturdays at 6.30pm on SBS Food and then from 27 June. Episode two on 4 July goes behind the scenes of the Heinz factory at Wigan in the UK, which produces around 450 million cans of baked beans a year - more than anywhere else in the world ---
Love to make baked beans? Or have you 'bean' meaning to give it a go? (Sorry, irresistible - a bit like a bowl of warm, rich tomato-y beans!). Then this list is for you. Here are our best-baked beans recipes (plus a couple of stove-top versions).
Say goodbye to boring brekkie with these . They're full of flavour (and vegan), so great just as they are, but you can also serve with sourdough toast, an egg or a salad.
Slow-cooked baked beans Source: Chris Middleton
This hearty recipe for comes from our Gourmet Farmer, Matthew Evans. There's a tip for shortening the cooking time, and for making the bacon in the beans extra delicious!
Vine-cutters' baked beans Source: Alan Benson
Gigantes plaki, or "giant beans", are traditionally served as part of Greek mezze, although this easy recipe from Maria Benardis also makes a satisfying stand-alone main. Maria's recipe uses speck and chorizo for a hearty result.
Greek baked beans Source: Alan Benson
"As well as a hearty vegetarian dinner side, these Greek are a great idea for weekend brunch; a poached or fried egg wouldn't go astray!" says Joanna Chery of her feta-topped giant beans.
Giant baked beans Source: One World Kitchen
This cheesy bean and cornbread pie is a combination of all the best things about baked beans, cornbread and shepherd's pie. "This is a little like a shepherd’s pie, but instead of mashed potato, it has cornbread on top and it's absolutely delicious. It's great for camping or at home," says Justine Schofield.
Cheesy bean and cornbread pie Source: Outback Gourmet
We know we're stating the obvious when we say that a jaffle is a great way to use up leftover homemade baked beans or even your fave tinned beans. But that's what makes this a double winner. You can enjoy the smoky Boston-style baked beans for breakfast, and then jaffle the leftovers. The smoked ham hock makes for very tasty baked beans - or use up the last of a ham bone.
Boston baked bean and cheddar jaffle Source: Smith Street Books / Chris Middleton
The beans in are very different from the Boston beans above. There's no ham in the beans; instead, the flavour comes from treacle, thyme and smoked paprika, and also from the use of garlic and onion when initially cooking the beans. You can jaffle as is, or add cheese and bacon.
Baked beans and cheese jaffles Source: Feast magazine
Inspired by the passage of Le Tour de France through the Pyrenees, this dish of baked haricot beans, herbs, bacon and sausage is simple but full of flavour.
Baked haricot beans Source: Taste le Tour
Damien Garneau calls this an emission-friendly meal. We call it delicious and nutritious! With zucchini, tomato and beans cooked into a rich base (vegan, too, if you use a vegan stock), it gets a walnut, almond, macadamia and parsley sprinkle to finish things off. Technically it's not baked beans - it's made in a frying pan on the stovetop - but it's too good to leave out.
Bean cassoulet with nut crumb Source: Damon Gameau
Black pudding isn't for everyone... but for fans, here's another recipe from Matthew Evans. "I make baked beans all kinds of ways, but this one is a really rich, indulgent version. It's well worth trying to source the best quality black pudding you can," he says.
Baked beans with black pudding Source: Gourmet Farmer
