One of the staples of camping meals is good old baked beans. They go hand in hand with campers’ other favorites which are burgers, fries, and S’Mores. Many campers choose to bring precooked varieties these days but there are still a few who like to make them the old way. Slow cooked in a Dutch Oven. If you’re considering giving it a try you will have more success with the following tips.
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Make sure that you add some kind of sweetener when you are making baked beans. Some people try to find ways to get around this because they are on diets and/or they are not fans of sweet food items. The problem is that this prevents the beans from having the thick, rich texture people tend to associate with this dish. If you decide to use something a little healthier than white sugar or molasses, agave is a decent option. Using sugar alternatives will not cut it.
Always use dried beans. There are some people who love the idea of cutting to the chase and trying to make this dish with canned beans, but it does not come out the same. Since you are not able to keep them cooking for as long, the flavor does not develop as much. If you try extending the cooking time to coax more flavor out of them, there is huge chance they will come out mushy.
Those who are adding raw meat should add it at the beginning of the cooking process. Things like fresh sausage, bacon, salt pork should be added at the same time the beans are placed in a pot. In the event you are using kielbasa, hot dogs or some other meat that is already fully cooked, you can add it toward the end so it can heat through, but adding it too early can make it devoid of flavor.
Campfire food is not all about hot dogs on a stick and making s’mores. If you are looking for a great way to tease everyone’s taste buds on your next outing, make some baked beans using all the advice you were offered here.
