Name: Instant Pot Baked Beans on Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: British-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups dried navy beans (or 2 cans cooked beans); 4 cups water or broth; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup ketchup; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp molasses or maple syrup; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp mustard; Salt and pepper, to taste; Toasted bread, for serving

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If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that comes together quickly yet bursts with flavor, this Instant Pot Baked Beans on Toast Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender navy beans simmered in a smoky, sweet, and tangy sauce, all cooked effortlessly in your Instant Pot, then piled generously over crispy, buttery toast. Whether you’re starting your day or need a cozy lunch, this dish delivers classic British comfort food with a modern twist that makes it easy enough to enjoy any time you want.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows an arrangement of various fresh ingredients on a white marbled surface. From left to right, there is a bowl of white beans with a light sheen, a bowl with chopped white onions beside it, and a small bowl with golden oil. At the center, a white plate holds six spoons with different contents: bright yellow mustard, cracked black pepper, a dark thick sauce, white salt, light beige powder, and a brown liquid. To the right, a small white bowl contains smooth red tomato sauce, and near it, a clear glass has a light yellow liquid. Below these, two thick slices of brown bread with holes rest on a wooden tray. A vine of ripe red cherry tomatoes is placed vertically in the middle, and fresh green spinach leaves are visible at the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is delightfully simple, and each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the creamy beans to the rich molasses, every component shines through in the final dish.

2 cups dried navy beans (or 2 cans cooked beans): The hearty base providing creamy texture and protein-packed goodness.
4 cups water or broth: Essential for cooking the beans tender and infusing subtle flavors.
1 onion, diced: Adds a savory sweetness and depth to the sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Lifts the dish with aromatic warmth.
¼ cup ketchup: Brings tang and a touch of tomato-rich sweetness.
2 tbsp brown sugar: Gives a subtle caramel note that balances the acidity perfectly.
2 tbsp molasses or maple syrup: This is the soul of the dish’s smoky, sweet complexity.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a slight tang, enriching the overall flavor.
1 tsp mustard: Provides just a gentle kick to lift the sauce.
Salt and pepper: To season according to your taste and bring all the flavors together.
Toasted bread, for serving: The perfect crispy base that soaks up all that delicious sauce.

How to Make Instant Pot Baked Beans on Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Pressure Cook the Beans

If you’re using dried navy beans, start by rinsing them well. Add the beans and water (or broth) to the Instant Pot, seal the lid, and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes. Once done, quick release the steam and drain the beans to remove excess liquid. This step ensures your beans are tender and ready to absorb all the flavors in the sauce.

Step 2: Build the Flavor in the Pot

Return the drained beans to the Instant Pot and add diced onion, minced garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, molasses (or maple syrup), Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. This flavorful combination transforms simple beans into a delicious sauce that is both sweet and tangy with a smoky undertone.

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Finish

Seal the lid again and pressure cook the mixture for an additional 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to marry beautifully and the sauce to thicken. After cooking, give it a good stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Toast the Bread

While the beans finish cooking, toast your bread until golden and crisp. A thin spread of butter on the hot toast adds richness and helps soak up the sauce perfectly.

Step 5: Serve Hot on Toast

Ladle a generous amount of the baked beans over the warm, buttered toast and dig in while it’s hot. The mix of crunchy toast and creamy beans creates a cozy meal that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.

How to Serve Instant Pot Baked Beans on Toast Recipe

A close-up view of a single-layer of small baked beans in thick sauce, sitting inside a deep, dark green and gray bowl placed on a black dish, with a gold spoon scooping some beans, showing their shiny and soft texture, all set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can brighten the presentation and add a fresh herbal note. A dash of smoked paprika or a few red pepper flakes can give the dish a subtle smoky heat to complement the molasses. For an extra touch, a poached or fried egg on top creates a wonderful protein boost and creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, sautéed mushrooms, or even some crispy fried potatoes for a full British-inspired brunch that feels indulgent yet easy. For a lighter option, fresh sliced tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and cracked black pepper work wonders alongside the warm beans.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the classic plate! Serve the beans in a rustic bowl with thick slices of toasted sourdough for a cozy café vibe. Or turn it into a loaded open-faced sandwich by adding cheese and crispy bacon on top. Another fun idea is to use the beans as a topping for baked potatoes or even scrambled eggs to switch up the usual breakfast routine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover beans keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them even tastier the next day. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of the baked beans for up to 3 months. Just let the beans cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

When reheating, use a gentle heat to avoid overcooking the beans or drying them out. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if the sauce appears too thick. Reheat the toast separately to preserve its crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use canned beans instead of dried for this Instant Pot Baked Beans on Toast Recipe?

Absolutely! Using canned beans reduces the cooking time significantly. Add them after the initial cooking step and only pressure cook for 10 minutes to meld the flavors, making it a great shortcut.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as long as you use a vegetarian-friendly Worcestershire sauce. It’s a fantastic option for meat-free meals that don’t compromise on flavor.

What kind of bread works best for serving?

Thick, sturdy breads like sourdough, whole wheat, or a classic white bread work wonderfully. They hold up well under the saucy beans and provide the perfect crunch contrast.

Can I add meat to this dish?

Definitely! Adding cooked bacon or sausage bits before the final cooking step adds an irresistible smoky richness that complements the sweet sauce beautifully.

How spicy is this Instant Pot Baked Beans on Toast Recipe?

This dish is mildly spiced with just a hint of mustard and Worcestershire sauce. You can easily adjust the heat by adding chili flakes or hot sauce if you like things with a bit more kick.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Instant Pot Baked Beans on Toast Recipe, it’s hard to go back to the canned versions or complicated all-day recipes. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor every single time. I encourage you to give it a go, tweak it to your liking, and make it one of those cozy staples you turn to whenever you want simple, satisfying food that warms your soul.