Baked beans on toast is a classic British breakfast recipe. The flavorful beans are served on a toast or jacket potatoes. It’s a delicious, easy, flavorful one pot brunch/ breakfast recipe that comes together in no time. Navy beans are cooked in rich tomato sauce along with a few spices and served on a buttered toast.
I like to make baked beans from scratch instead of buying the canned ones. The store bought beans contain a lot of processed additives and are slimy, hence I prefer my homemade version. Having lived in the UK for over three years I have tasted some of the best baked beans served on jacket potatoes. My baked beans recipe tastes very similar to the one you get on food trucks and breakfast cafes in the UK.
Ingredients to make baked beans on toast:
- Beans: This recipe uses navy/ haricot beans. I have used dried beans and soaked them in water before using. Alternatively you can use canned navy beans for this recipe. I feel dried beans taste better as they aren’t very soft compared to the canned variety.
- Ketchup: Ketchup is the vital base ingredient in this recipe. It adds a smooth, creamy taste to the beans. I use Heinz Organic Ketchup as it does not contain high fructose corn syrup.
- Vegetable Stock: Veggie stock adds a lot of flavor to this recipe. I have used Better Than Bouillon Organic Vegetable Base in this recipe. Alternatively, you can use chicken stock in this recipe.
- Cornflour: Cornflour also referred to as cornstarch is added as a thickening agent in this sauce.
- Spices & Herbs: Garlic Powder, onion powder, chives and pepper elevates the taste of the sauce. I have added dried chives, alternatively you can use scallion greens.
- Soy Sauce: Addition of soy sauce gives a depth of flavor to the beans. Alternatively, you can add tamari, Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos to this recipe.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Addition of apple cider vinegar helps balance the salty and sweet taste from ketchup. Alternatively, you can use rice vinegar or white wine vinegar.
How to prepare beans:
Soaking beans: I like to soak navy beans overnight. Soaking beans prior to cooking saves a lot of time as it makes them cook faster. Place dry beans in a large container, for 1/2 pound i.e. 1 cup beans add 5 cups of cold water. Cover and allow to soak for 8 hours or overnight at room temperature. Drain and rinse soaked beans.
Cooking Beans
Stove Top: Place beans in a stock pot; pour water and bring it to boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the beans are tender yet firm. It takes around 30-35 minutes . Alternatively, you can pressure cook the beans
Pressure Cook: Place 1 cup beans in an instant pot, add 3 cups of water. Cook the beans on high pressure for 25 minutes. When the cooking time is done, let the pressure release naturally. If the beans don’t seem cooked all the way, you can simply seal the lid again and cook for another 5 minutes. Drain immediately.
Tips to make perfect baked beans on toast:
- Dried beans give a better flavor so make sure you prep the beans (soak beans) prior to cooking.
- Addition of chicken or veggie stock brings out the lovely flavors.
- Make sure you use ketchup and not the tomato sauce.
- I like to use buttered and toasted sourdough bread for this recipe. It is perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft & savory within. The rich flavor of sourdough bread pairs well with savory and sweet beans toppings.
- Make sure you assemble and serve baked beans on toast immediately to avoid bread from turning soggy.
How to serve baked beans
Traditionally served as a side for English Breakfast along with eggs, mushrooms, sausage or toast. Alternatively, you can serve it on baked potatoes, nachos, salad or stuff an omelet. I like to use buttered and toasted sourdough bread for this recipe. It is perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft & savory within. The rich flavor of sourdough bread pairs well with savory and sweet beans toppings.
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