Hot Dog Roll with Baked Beans
A beloved New England classic featuring grilled beef franks nestled in buttery, toasted split-top buns, served alongside a hearty portion of sweet and savory homemade baked beans. It's the ultimate comfort food for any cookout or casual weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Baked Beans
- b.In a medium saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion to the bacon fat in the pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- d.Stir in the rinsed navy beans, ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, water, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked bacon back to the pot and mix everything together well.
- e.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should thicken and the flavors will meld.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Hot Dogs
- b.While the beans are simmering, heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- c.Place the hot dogs in the hot pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are heated through and have a nice char on all sides.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Toast the Buns
- b.Using a pastry brush, apply the melted butter to the flat outer sides of the New England-style buns.
- c.Place the buns, buttered-side down, onto a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- d.Toast for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are golden brown, crisp, and fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Carefully open each toasted bun and place a cooked hot dog inside.
- c.Serve immediately with a generous side of the warm homemade baked beans.
- d.Offer classic toppings like yellow mustard and additional chopped raw onion on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, do not skip the molasses in the baked beans; it provides a unique, deep sweetness.
- 2If you can't find New England-style buns, regular hot dog buns can be used. Butter and toast them on a griddle for a similar effect.
- 3The baked beans can be made a day in advance. Their flavor often deepens and improves overnight. Reheat gently on the stove.
- 4For a smokier flavor in the beans, add 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke.
- 5Ensure the beans simmer on a very low heat to prevent the sugars from burning at the bottom of the pan.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or one finely chopped jalapeño to the beans along with the onion for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian OptionVegetarian Option
Omit the bacon and use 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the onion. Substitute the beef hot dogs with your favorite plant-based sausages.
Different BeansDifferent Beans
While navy beans are traditional, you can substitute them with pinto beans or kidney beans for a different texture and flavor.
Sausage SwapSausage Swap
Instead of beef franks, try using Italian sausage, bratwurst, or kielbasa for a different flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
Both the beef hot dogs and the navy beans provide a significant amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscle.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Navy beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and can help you feel full and satisfied.
Provides Iron
This meal offers iron from both the beef and the molasses. Iron is a crucial mineral for producing red blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout the body, helping to prevent fatigue.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this dish contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the specific brands of hot dogs, buns, and bacon used.