Baked beans on toast is one of those timeless comfort foods that we all love. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a dish that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a quick dinner. While the classic version is delicious on its own, there’s always room for a little creativity in the kitchen. This recipe takes the humble beans on toast to a new level by adding crispy bacon, sweet red pepper, and a few optional seasonings that give the dish a rich, hearty flavour. Whether you’re looking to make it a more filling meal or simply add a bit of flair, this twist on the classic is sure to become a new favourite.
Ingredients:
- 4 rashers of back or streaky bacon (crispy or soft, your choice!)
- 1 small red onion, sliced thin
- ½ a ripe red bell pepper, diced (use red for sweetness, but any color works)
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 400g baked beans in tomato sauce (your favorite brand works best)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Optional Add-ons:
- Chopped chives
- Finely minced garlic
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- 4 slices of ciabatta bread (or your favorite bread), toasted
Instructions:
- Prepare the bacon:
- Fry the bacon in a pan until it reaches your desired crispness.
- Once done, chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables:
- In the same pan (using the bacon drippings for extra flavour or a bit of butter if preferred), fry the onion slices until soft and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add the diced red bell pepper to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes until slightly tender. Set aside.
- Heat the baked beans:
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat.
- Pour in the baked beans and stir well. If you’re using any of the optional ingredients, add them now.
- Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper, and heat through gently, stirring occasionally.
- Combine the flavours:
- Mix the fried bacon, onions, and red pepper into the beans, leaving a little of each aside for garnish. Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavours blend.
- Prepare the toast:
- While the beans are warming, toast the ciabatta or your chosen bread slices until golden and crisp.
- Assemble the dish:
- Spoon the warm, loaded baked beans generously over the toasted bread slices.
- Garnish with the reserved bacon, onion, red pepper pieces, and a sprinkling of chopped parsley.
Tips for Success:
- Butter the toast: A light spread of butter on the toast before adding the beans makes a world of difference!
- Customise the heat: If you love spice, feel free to add finely chopped chilli or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach.
Enjoy your elevated baked beans on toast—comfort food with a gourmet twist!
