British Beans vs. American Beans

Create Classic British Recipes in the USA

British beans and American beans are two much-loved staples, each with its own flavor palette. While American beans tend to be sweeter and smokier, British beans are more savory, with a tomato-based sauce and subtle seasoning.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the difference between American and British beans, the benefits of each and which style of beans is right for your next home feast.

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What are British Baked Beans?

British Beans vs American Beans: Key Differences

If you are discovering British cuisine and all its offerings, you may find yourself asking What are baked beans? Are British baked beans the same as American? Well, we have the answers that you’re looking for!

To help you learn the differences, we have created a handy table that highlights the key features of each bean variety:

Feature	American Beans	British Beans
Sauce	Sweet, often smoky	Savory, tomato-based
Sweetness	More sweet	Less sweet
Meat	Often includes meat	Typically vegetarian
Main Bean	Navy, kidney, pinto	Primarily navy (haricot)
Common Use	BBQ side, chili	Breakfast, beans on toast

Cooking British Beans vs American Beans: Which Is Easier?

Cooking British bean dishes and American beans can offer delicious, distinctive results, but the cooking process differs. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional British fry-up or a classic American cowboy bean dish on the side, each type requires its own technique to bring out the best texture and flavor.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when preparing each type of bean:

Preparing British Beans

Aspect	Details
Cooking Method	British-style baked beans can be prepared with canned beans for a traditional savory flavor. Homemade beans are also an option, but canned beans are preferred.
Temperature	Cook on medium heat to maintain the beans' tenderness. Heat for about 5 minutes to achieve the correct thickness.
Texture	British baked beans are thicker and more savory compared to American beans. Avoid boiling, and focus on keeping them thick and tender.
Tips	Season lightly with salt and pepper or add herbs for extra flavor. Serve with Cheddar cheese for an ideal British Jacket Potato.

Preparing American Beans

Aspect

Details

Cooking Method

Simmer soaked beans on the stovetop to achieve sweet and smoky American beans.

Temperature

Cook beans on a gentle simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the bean variety.

Texture

For a thicker texture and smokier taste, cook the beans for a longer time.

Tips

Season with your chosen herbs while cooking. Soaking beans before cooking ensures more consistent and even cooking.

Recipe Ideas: Cooking with British Beans and American Beans

If you’ve never cooked with British beans or American beans, now is the perfect time to experiment! Both types of beans in recipes bring something heartwarming to your meals to mirror authentic American or British cuisine. Here are a couple of tasty recipe ideas that highlight the best of both beans:

Traditional Full English Breakfast - A classic, hearty, English breakfast dish that serves a wide range of British breakfast foods, including the British baked bean. The dish contains British staples including bacon, sausages, black pudding, eggs, and more!
Baked Bean Chilli - According to Chatham House, Heinz baked beans are a historical British staple. In wartime, they were advertised as ‘a splendid food to preserve the stamina of the Nation. Best paired with baked potatoes, corn bread, or tortilla chips, each pairing soaks up all the rich flavor of the beans, making the dish simple and satisfying.
Jacket Potato & Beans - Opt for a genuine British staple for a cozy night in with Beans on Toast. Cook a baked potato until it's crunchy on the outside, add plenty of butter onto the potato, and top with warm baked beans. Add plenty of cheddar cheese for a perfect British lunch or dinner.
Beans On Toast - Choose a genuine British staple with Beans on Toast. Cook your beans and add them on top of freshly-cut toasted (or untoasted) bread. Add lashings of beans for a cheesy bean special.
Sweet & Sour Beans - The ultimate side dish for a family gathering. Sweet and Sour beans capture the essence of America. Packed with American-style bacon, maple beans, brown sugar, and chickpeas. It’s the perfect quick and easy family favorite.
One Pot Cowboy Beans - The ideal choice for lunch, dinner, or a BBQ treat, American one pot cowboy beans consist of pantry essentials such as chili powder, ketchup, and mustard. You can add some chopped American bacon to level up your BBQ offerings.
Vegetarian Bean Burrito - The perfect Vegetarian Bean Burrito is a classic that never disappoints, and caters to everyone. This flavorful masterpiece is made with American beans, white onions, chili powder, and the fillings of your choice wrapped up in a corn tortilla.

Where to Buy British Beans in the USA

Discover Authentic British Bean Recipes with Jolly Posh Foods

If you are wondering where to buy British beans in the USA, then look no further! At Jolly Posh Foods, we have been bringing authentic British cuisine to American doors for over 15 years, including British beans. Check out our British Pantry Essentials Box that contains everything you need for a delicious, genuine British pantry!

Whether you’re craving a classic British Beans on Toast or want to add British bean options to your favorite recipes, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we offer 20% off all orders over $200, making it even easier to stock up on your British favorites.

At Jolly Posh Foods, we are committed to delivering your products safely and sustainably. We use EVRgreen advanced technology thermal coolers for all shipments of our products, ensuring your British beans are fresh and ready to cook. These coolers are eco-friendly and biodegrade 94% over 4 years, meaning the packaging can be discarded with your household waste.

Are you ready to bring a taste of Britain to your kitchen? Order with Jolly Posh Foods today and get your British beans delivered with care, freshness, and sustainability in mind.