Seriously Upgrade Baked Beans With That Leftover Pot Of Coffee

Coffee's bitter flavor is often considered an "acquired taste" that you only drink for that much-needed energy boost in the early morning. But if you do like the complex and rich taste of coffee, it's actually a pretty versatile flavor that can add a kick to lots of other meals throughout the day. And coffee and cold brew make for an unexpected pairing with baked beans, if you're willing to try something new at your next barbecue.

Aside from your morning cup of joe, coffee flavor is often infused in many desserts like tiramisu, coffeecake, or coffee-flavored ice cream, as well as cocktails like espresso martinis and Irish coffee. Now, none of these typically get served alongside a helping of baked beans, but that doesn't mean the rich, smoky flavor of coffee can't work in a more savory-sweet dish. Whether you prefer bolder dark roasts or less acidic light roasts, you can pour brewed coffee in with your beans before you start baking them.

There are countless ways to make baked beans, and nearly every corner of America has its own regional baked beans recipes. In New England, navy beans are prepared with salt pork and Worcestershire sauce, while southern versions usually go with barbecue sauce instead. The idea is to mix together the mild, nutty taste of navy beans (or haricot beans) with sweet and salty ingredients. That way, even when you switch out some ingredients, the side dish of baked beans is still easy to recognize no matter where you are.

This is where that leftover pot of coffee comes in handy. Coffee can be smoky like barbecue sauce, and coffee beans already have a nutty quality just like the navy beans. So alongside plain water, pouring in coffee, cold brew, or espresso can keep the mixture from drying out while adding in those extra flavors. Drip coffee and espresso are generally more bitter in taste, while cold brew is more mellow. If you prefer, you can also toss espresso powder in the baked beans instead of just emptying out the carafe. Espresso powder and all types of brewed coffee can be added to canned baked beans when heating on the stovetop, as well as incorporated into your homemade beans mix before baking.

If the idea of mixing coffee with other savory foods sounds appealing, there are lots of ways to channel your inner barista while cooking up dinner. A shot of fresh espresso can be added to barbecue sauce because of that aforementioned smokiness. It can be added to roast vegetables like carrots or beets, and it goes great with caramelized onions. After all this, it may not come as a surprise to learn that coffee is a great ingredient in chili too.

Coffee grounds can also be used as a rub for steaks, ribs, and coffee-infused burgers, as it helps tenderize the meat while giving it a much bolder flavor. In fact, coffee grounds are great for tenderizing meat. Plus, the smokey, caramel notes in coffee rubs can round out the other flavors in a meaty dish, and it can work with nearly any type of protein: briskets, roast chicken, duck, and pork are all possibilities. So next time you're cooking up pork and baked beans, try infusing the deep flavor of coffee!