Baked beans are typically made from white beans, most commonly navy beans (also known as haricot beans) or Great Northern beans. These beans are favored because they hold their shape well during the long cooking process and develop a tender, creamy texture that complements the rich, savory sauce they are baked in
. Other white bean varieties such as cannellini beans are also used, especially in some recipes. In addition, some regional variations may use other types like pink beans or even kidney and pinto beans, but navy beans remain the traditional and most popular choice for baked beans
. In summary, baked beans are primarily made from:
- Navy beans (haricot beans)
- Great Northern beans
- Cannellini beans (less common)
- Occasionally pink, kidney, or pinto beans in some recipes
The key is that these beans are thick-skinned and can withstand long cooking times without becoming mushy
