Southern Chefs' Favorite Baked Beans Brand Revealed

The Versatility of Canned Baked Beans

Growing up, many of us had a favorite family recipe that brought comfort and familiarity to our meals. For me, it was my mom’s weeknight baked bean casserole—simple, quick, and always a hit. She’d open two cans of baked beans, dice some hot dogs, and toss everything into a baking dish. After covering it and baking for about half an hour, we were treated to a hearty meal that felt like home. While this might seem like a basic dish, it was actually a smart way to stretch meat and use pantry staples effectively.

What I didn’t realize then was that this kind of meal has been a staple in families across generations. Canned baked beans have long been used as a flexible base for various dishes, from classic Texas-style baked beans to those with ground beef. Even though homemade versions are easy to make, the canned options available at grocery stores offer quality and convenience that many chefs and home cooks appreciate.

Southern Chefs’ Favorite: Bush's Original Baked Beans

Among Southern chefs, one brand consistently stands out: Bush's Original Baked Beans. This classic choice is favored for its unique flavor profile and versatility. Tia Woods, Executive Chef at Gather & Hem and Hilton Richmond Downtown, shares that her favorite variety is the original because it includes bacon fat, which can be picked out or fried for added texture. The brown sugar included in the can gives it a balanced sweetness that isn’t overpowering.

To elevate these beans, Woods starts by sautéing onions and browning ground beef. She adds BBQ sauce and honey before incorporating the beans. Draining the excess liquid and adding more sauce creates a rich, saucy mixture that’s perfect for a chef’s twist on the classic dish.

Personal Touches from Other Chefs

Paul D’Amelio, Head Chef of Catering and Ice Cream at The Kitchen at Grace Meadows, prefers a sweeter and spicier version. He adds brown sugar, ketchup, and a pinch of cayenne for heat. At the restaurant, he also includes American mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and cooked onions to enhance the flavor. Baking them after preparation brings out the best of the ingredients, making them a perfect complement to summer meats like hamburgers and barbecue.

Zachary Chancey, Executive Chef at The Alida Hotel in Savannah, recalls his mother’s special method of preparing Bush's Original Baked Beans. She would place strips of bacon on top, allowing them to crisp during baking and infuse the beans with a smoky, savory flavor. He loved eating them cold the next day, as the flavors melded beautifully over time.

A Range of Flavors and Techniques

Shannon Snell, Head Pitmaster for Sonny's BBQ, believes that Bush's Best Original is the best option for a hearty, cowboy-style bean dish. He appreciates the mix of peppers, onions, brown sugar, and spices that give the beans their bold character. For him, starting with a good base allows for endless variations in flavor.

Other chefs have their own preferences. Mark Vuckovich, Executive Chef at The Westin Nashville, favors Bush’s Southern Pit Barbecue variety. He enjoys adding charred onions and jalapeños to balance the sweet and smoky flavors. Carey Bringle of Peg Leg Porker and Bringle's Smoking Oasis takes a different approach, using Showboat beans and smoking them with added ingredients for a flavor-packed result.

Unique Options for Different Palates

Chef Andres Kaifer of Customshop and Marina’s Tapas in Charlotte, North Carolina, prefers Goya beans for their minimal liquid content. This makes them ideal for adding a quick sofrito to enhance the flavor without the beans becoming too watery.

Kyle Bryner, Chef/Owner at Blue Hound Barbecue, leans toward the savory side and loves Bush’s Zero Sugar Baked Beans. He appreciates their balanced sweetness and uses them as a base for creative additions like crispy bacon bits, raw onion, chow chow, and mustard to add depth and tang.

Whether you're a home cook or a professional chef, canned baked beans offer a versatile foundation for countless recipes. From traditional casseroles to gourmet twists, there's something for every palate. So, next time you’re shopping, consider stocking up on your favorite variety and let your creativity shine.