Baked beans are a trustworthy side dish, deliciously giving any meal a protein and fiber boost. The easy preparation and low-effort assembly adds to the appeal. On top of that, they can last up to four days in the fridge, making them an effortless and exciting meal prepping ingredient. They’re also quite versatile, letting you infuse more flavors without resulting in catastrophe.
If a savory spin is just your style, introduce Spam to your dish for something bolder and more intense. Beyond beans drenched in tomato sauce and diced Spam, you also need a spoonful of butter (no need to be conservative) and a hefty amount of diced onions. For a bit of heat, chili powder or chili sauce do the trick. Crowd all the ingredients in and mix them together to get them ready for the oven (but pre-melt the butter to help it spread evenly). To fully soak up the flavors, leave it in the oven for at least 30 minutes. Now you have a versatile dish with tangy notes and a whole lot of salty punches that you can enjoy on its own — or elevate even further. For a Korean-inspired finish, stir-fry it with rice and kimchi for the best fried rice you’ve ever eaten.
Easy ways to upgrade Spam baked beans
Like we said, Spam baked beans are quite versatile. It’s the perfect base for just about anything. We suggest layering in loads of vegetables, especially for those who are having a hard time adding a leafy touch to their meals. Try bok choy, spinach, and cabbage, and don’t go easy on them. If you’re averse to their taste, the flavor punch from the Spam and beans should easily win you over — you might even forget you put vegetables in (if it weren’t for their texture). This is a sneaky way to make your little ones eat their greens, too.
Meanwhile, burrito fans have landed on a goldmine. Just turn a flour tortilla into a wrap to create a really filling meal. While it’s not the ultimate burrito recipe, it gets the job done beautifully. More likely than not, there might be enough Spam baked beans left to eat the next day; pour it over baked or grilled potatoes if you want to load up on fiber and potassium.
