Hosting a large event or community gathering can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to feeding a crowd. One of the most comforting and crowd-pleasing dishes you can prepare is baked beans.
Not only are they hearty and delicious, but baked beans also pair well with a variety of meals, making them a versatile choice for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a barbecue, a potluck, or a festive celebration, this baked beans for 100 people recipe will guide you through making a large batch that’s bursting with flavor and sure to satisfy every guest.
Cooking for 100 people might seem overwhelming, but with the right ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step process, you can easily pull off this tasty staple. In this post, we’ll cover everything from why this recipe is a must-try to helpful tips and serving suggestions that will make your event unforgettable.
So, let’s dive in and get ready to make some delicious baked beans that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked beans recipe is perfect for large gatherings because it’s simple to prepare in bulk, budget-friendly, and packed with rich flavors. The combination of tender beans, smoky spices, and a tangy-sweet sauce makes it a comforting dish that complements many cuisines, from grilled meats to vegan options.
Additionally, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily tweak the seasoning or swap ingredients to match your dietary preferences or the theme of your event.
Plus, baked beans can be made ahead of time, which helps reduce stress on the day of your party.
Finally, this recipe uses accessible ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, so even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you’ll find it manageable and rewarding to prepare.
Ingredients
- 50 cups dried navy beans (or about 25 pounds)
- 25 large onions, finely chopped
- 10 cups ketchup
- 8 cups molasses
- 10 cups brown sugar, packed
- 5 cups yellow mustard
- 10 cups tomato sauce
- 5 cups apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups Worcestershire sauce (use a vegan alternative if needed)
- 5 cups water (adjust as needed during cooking)
- 1 cup smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup garlic powder
- 1/2 cup black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 cup salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups olive oil or vegetable oil
- Optional: 10 lbs cooked and diced smoked bacon or vegan bacon
Equipment
- Large industrial-sized pots or multiple large stockpots
- Commercial-sized baking trays or roasting pans (at least 4-5 large pans)
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large wooden spoons or paddles for stirring
- Oven(s) capable of holding large pans
- Colander or large sieve for draining beans
- Kitchen scale for accuracy
- Cutting boards and knives
- Heatproof gloves or mitts
- Large ladles or serving spoons
Instructions
- Soak the beans: Place the dried navy beans in large pots and cover them with water by at least 3 inches. Soak overnight or for at least 12 hours. This reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
- Drain and rinse: After soaking, drain the beans through a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
- Cook the beans: Transfer the beans to large stockpots, cover with fresh water (about 6 inches above the beans), and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beans are tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent and soft, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, yellow mustard, tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine beans and sauce: In the commercial-sized baking trays or roasting pans, combine the cooked beans with the sauce. If using, fold in the cooked diced bacon or vegan bacon evenly throughout the mixture.
- Bake the beans: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Cover the pans tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 2 to 3 hours. Check occasionally and stir every 45 minutes, adding water if the beans look too dry to maintain a saucy consistency.
- Final touches: Remove the foil for the last 20 minutes of baking to allow the top to caramelize slightly and thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or brown sugar if needed.
- Serve warm: Once baked, let the beans cool slightly before serving. Use large ladles to serve the beans in portions appropriate for your gathering.
Tips & Variations
“For the best flavor, prepare your beans a day ahead and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to deepen and the beans to absorb the sauce fully.”
Make it vegan: Simply omit bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative for a fully vegan version. Ensure that Worcestershire sauce is vegan or substitute with soy sauce.
Add smoky depth: Incorporate smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke to give the beans a rich, smoky flavor without meat.
Customize sweetness and tang: Adjust the amounts of molasses, brown sugar, and vinegar to suit your taste. More molasses will add depth, while additional vinegar enhances the tanginess.
Spice it up: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, perfect for those who like a bit of heat.
Make it creamy: Stir in a few tablespoons of creamy peanut butter or tahini for a unique twist on traditional baked beans.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 14g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
This hearty dish is a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making it filling and nutritious. Keep in mind that the addition of bacon or vegan bacon will increase fat and sodium content slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Baked beans are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with many dishes. Serve them alongside grilled vegetables, hot dogs, burgers, or vegan sausages for a classic barbecue vibe.
For a vegetarian or vegan feast, try pairing these beans with cornbread, coleslaw, and a fresh garden salad. They also make a fantastic side to rice dishes or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Looking for more crowd-pleasing recipes? Check out our Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals or try our Best Indian Vegetarian Starter Recipes for Every Occasion for exciting ideas that complement baked beans perfectly.
Conclusion
Preparing baked beans for 100 people might seem intimidating at first, but with this detailed recipe and clear instructions, it becomes a manageable and rewarding task. This dish offers a wonderful balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that will appeal to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.
Whether you’re feeding a community event, a large family reunion, or a festive celebration, these baked beans will add warmth and satisfaction to your menu. Remember to plan ahead, use the right equipment, and don’t hesitate to customize the recipe to suit your crowd’s preferences.
For more large batch meal ideas, you might enjoy our Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy or our handy Vegetarian Potluck Recipe Ideas for Easy Crowd-Pleasing Meals.
Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious baked beans!
📖 Recipe Card: Baked Beans for 100 People
Description: A hearty and flavorful baked beans recipe perfect for large gatherings. Easy to prepare and full of rich, smoky flavors.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT2H30M
Total Time: PT3H
Servings: 100 servings
Ingredients
- 12 cups dried navy beans
- 3 gallons water (for soaking and cooking beans)
- 6 cups diced onions
- 4 cups ketchup
- 3 cups molasses
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup yellow mustard
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups cooked and crumbled bacon
- 12 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
- Soak navy beans overnight in water.
- Drain and rinse beans, then place in large pots with fresh water.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer beans for 1.5 hours until tender.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix cooked beans with the sauce mixture and diced onions.
- Stir in cooked bacon.
- Transfer mixture to large baking pans or roasting trays.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour, stirring halfway through.
- Remove from oven and let rest before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 50 g
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