10 ways to make baked beans even better

From classic baked beans to cornbread pie and a cheesy bean jaffle (and even options for those without ovens!) here's how to make it great.

Bean cassoulet with nut crumb Source: Damon Gameau

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).

Slow-cooked classic

Say goodbye to boring brekkie with these slow-cooked baked beans. 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

Matthew Evans' farm beans with bacon

This hearty recipe for vine-cutters' baked beans 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

Greek baked beans

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

And a vegetarian version

"As well as a hearty vegetarian dinner side, these Greek baked beans 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

Feeling corny?

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

Two-step flavour = double rewards

The beans in this jaffle recipe get depth of flavour 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

Slow-baked beans

By cooking the beans both on the stove and in the oven, they develop a super-rich, tomatoey flavour. Baking them also crisps up the top layer, providing a great contrast with the mushiness underneath.

Source: Savannah van der Niet

Gabriel Gate's beans with bacon

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

Add a savoury nut sprinkle

Damien Garneau calls this bean cassoulet with nut crumb 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

Baked beans with black pudding

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