Copycat Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans Recipe You’ll Love

This Grandma Brown’s baked beans recipe recreates the same savory, hearty, and meaty flavor many remember from the original canned version. Tender navy beans are paired with savory ham, a touch of brown sugar, and onion to produce a smooth, creamy dish that’s addictive and comforting.

Why I Love This Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans Recipe

If you’ve never tried Grandma Brown’s baked beans, you’re in for a treat. The canned original was a Northeast favorite for decades, prized for its thick texture and balanced savory-sweet flavor. Since the product is no longer sold widely, this homemade version is a wonderful way to capture that nostalgic taste at home.

I grew up eating these beans at summer picnics, so recreating them was personal. After a few tests and adjustments, this copycat hits that familiar flavor while offering a fresher, heartier result. The beans are versatile: hearty enough for a main dish, or a classic side for cookouts and family dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Navy beans — the classic choice for this style of baked beans.
• Baking soda — helps achieve the best texture when soaking dried beans.
• Salt — a pinch to season.
• Cooked ham — chopped; diced bacon also works well for extra smokiness.
• Brown sugar — provides the subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
• Onion — a small onion, chopped, for savory depth.
• Bay leaf — for an extra layer of flavor.

If you have extra cooked beans left over, consider using them in a ham-and-beans soup or stew to make the most of your ingredients.

How To Make Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans

Step 1: Soak The Beans

Start by placing 4 cups of water and the baking soda in a large saucepot. Add the navy beans, bring the pot to a boil, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and let the beans sit in the water overnight to soften and rehydrate.

Step 2: Assemble The Baked Beans

In the morning, preheat your oven to 300°F and rinse the soaked beans. Transfer the beans to an ovenproof dish with a lid. Add the brown sugar, cooked ham, chopped onion, and just enough water to cover the beans. Season with a bit of salt and tuck a bay leaf on top. Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Bake The Beans

Cover the dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 5 hours. Check the beans every hour and add a splash of water if the top begins to dry out. When finished, the beans should be thick, creamy, and tender. Remove the bay leaf before serving and serve warm.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 6 months. To reheat, transfer the beans to a baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. For single servings, microwave in 20-second increments, stirring between intervals, until hot.

Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans FAQS

Did they stop making Grandma Brown’s baked beans?

Yes — the original canned Grandma Brown’s baked beans have been discontinued in many markets. Making this recipe at home is the best way to recreate that nostalgic flavor, and many find the homemade version even more satisfying.

Can I use canned beans for Grandma Brown’s baked beans?

Yes. Canned beans are a convenient shortcut: drain and rinse them, skip the initial boiling and soak, and proceed to assemble and bake. Dried beans give a slightly more authentic texture but canned beans work well when time is limited.

What makes Grandma Brown’s baked beans different from other baked beans?

Grandma Brown’s style is known for a thick, rich sauce that leans less sweet than many modern baked bean recipes. The balance of savory and mild sweetness, plus a touch of smokiness from ham or bacon, is what sets it apart.

Can I make Grandma Brown’s baked beans in a slow cooker?

Yes. After preparing the beans, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours until tender and the sauce thickens. This method is convenient and yields excellent flavor with minimal supervision.

More Of My Favorite Bean Recipes

• Baked beans with ground beef
• Southern style pinto beans
• Apple pie baked beans
• Baked bean casserole
• Bush’s baked beans recipe
• Charro beans
• Baked beans with bacon
• Chipotle black beans
• Butter beans
• Great northern beans

Yield: 4 servings

Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans (Copycat Recipe)

This Grandma Brown’s baked beans recipe captures the savory, meaty flavor of the original. Perfectly cooked navy beans combined with ham, brown sugar, and onion make a creamy, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare — only minutes of hands-on time are required.

Prep Time
5 minutes

Cook Time
5 hours

Total Time
5 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ lb. navy beans
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 oz. cooked ham, chopped (or bacon)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. In a saucepot, add 4 cups water and the baking soda.
2. Add the beans and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let the beans soak in the water overnight.
4. The next morning, rinse the beans and add them to an oven-proof dish with a lid.
5. Add the ham, brown sugar, and chopped onion. Add just enough water to cover the beans. Season with salt and add a bay leaf.
6. Cover and cook in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 hours.
7. Check the beans every hour and add water if needed to prevent drying. The beans should be thick and creamy when done.
8. Remove the bay leaf, serve warm, and enjoy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1 serving

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 234
Total Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 86mg
Sodium: 203mg
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 15g