Beans on toast is a mildly sweet and savory homestyle British dish. This comfort classic takes Heinz baked beans and piles it on golden brown toast to make a super simple meal to have at any time of the day.
Why this recipe works
For many British folk, beans on toast tastes like sweet childhood. Crispy warm toast piled high with saucy tomato-based beans is something most grew up on as it was not only affordable and convenient but also comforting and filling.
Some may think it’s a little wonky to have a recipe for something so simple, but for those curious about this wildly popular UK staple, this is a solid foundation to start on. It’s similar to America’s fascination with avocado toast. Sometimes the most effortless ingredients create the things we love the most.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
As you’ll see in our photos, we used our baked beans from scratch recipe on top of wheat bread for a little spin on the classic. There are many different variations out there but the simplicity of two ingredients is what helps make this dish what it is.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
BEANS – Traditionally, Heinz baked beans are the key ingredient to beans on toast. While Heinz baked beans are most popular in the UK, you can sometimes find the classic blue can on shelves at the grocery store in the states. Alternatively whip up a batch of our homemade baked beans if you can’t seem to find a can locally, that’s what we did here. You can easily order Heinz baked beans online from places like Amazon as well.
TOAST – Regular white sandwich bread does the trick, but you can also use hearty wheat bread as we did, a thick-cut white bread, or your favorite Artisan bread.
How to Make Beans on Toast
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Place the beans into a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You want them to come to a low-simmer and that’s it.
- Toast your bread slices in the toaster until golden and lightly browned. You can leave the toast plain or optionally butter it.
- Remove beans from heat once simmering and warmed through. You do not want them to boil.
- Scoop about 1/3 of the beans over each slice of toast. Serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
If you want to switch it up a bit you can serve your beans on toast topped with a fried egg (or serve it on the side). Another popular option is to add shredded cheddar cheese on top and then warm it up to melt it. To further change the game, try mixing in a bit of Worcestershire sauce or crumbled bacon to the baked beans before adding to the toast.
Ingredients
- 13.7 ounce Heinz baked beans 1 can, 390g
- 3 slices white bread or wheat
Things You’ll Need
- Saucepan
Before You Begin
- 1 can of beans will yield 3 servings of beans on toast. You can slice the toast sideways in half for 6 servings.
- Traditionally, Heinz baked beans are the key ingredient to beans on toast. While Heinz baked beans are most popular in the UK, you can sometimes find the classic blue can on shelves at the grocery store in the states. Alternatively whip up a batch of our homemade baked beans if you can’t seem to find a can locally, that’s what we did here. You can easily order Heinz beans online from places like Amazon as well.
- Regular white sandwich bread does the trick, but you can also use hearty wheat bread as we did, a thick-cut white bread, or your favorite Artisan bread.
Instructions
- Place the beans into a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You want them to come to a low-simmer and that's it.
- Toast your bread slices in the toaster until golden and lightly browned. You can leave the toast plain or optionally butter it.
- Remove beans from heat once simmering and warmed through. You do not want them to boil.
- Scoop about 1/3 of the beans over each slice of toast. Serve warm.
