Beans and Franks

Beans and Franks combine baked beans with caramelized hot dog or frankfurter slices. The rich beans and the smoky sausage are a fantastic flavor pairing.

The Best Beans and Franks

Whether you call this dish franks and beans, beenie weenies, or (as we do) beans and franks…this dish is basically a simple combination of baked beans and sliced hot dogs – or sliced “franks” which is short for frankfurters.

You can certainly make this recipe super easy by simply opening a can of your favorite canned baked beans…but we think this dish is best when you start by cooking up a pot our homemade Boston Baked Beans recipe.

Then slice and fry a good-quality pork or beef hot dog until caramelized and browned. Mix the slices into the cooked baked beans – and you’ll have a dish that is perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, or game day parties.

Why you'll love Beans and Franks

• The rich, sweet, and earthy baked beans with the salty smoky hot dogs are a perfect flavor combination.
• This is a deliciously filling meal when paired with cornbread and coleslaw, or Boston Brown Bread (recipe coming soon!)

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

• Boston Baked Beans – For the very best version of this dish, take the time to make our homemade Boston Baked Beans recipe. The flavor is incredible and much better tasting than any canned baked beans you can buy.
• Hot Dogs – Choose a quality pork or beef hot dog. We are partial to all-beef Ballpark brand franks, or the all-beef hot dogs sold at Costco.
• Olive Oil – To brown the hot dog slices.
• For Serving – Coleslaw and Cornbread.

Special Tools Needed

• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
• Various Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Large Skillet – To brown the hotdogs.
• Large Pot – To reheat the prepared baked beans.

How do I make Beans and Franks?

1. Make our Boston Baked Beans. (You can do this step ahead of time.)
2. Slice hot dogs on the bias and cook in skillet with olive oil until browned on both sides.
3. Add cooked hot dogs to hot baked beans.
4. Serve immediately.

Tips & Tricks

• The baked beans can be made a day in advance, but we suggest browning the sliced hot dogs just before serving. When ready to eat, just reheat the beans in a pot on the stove and stir in the the browned hot dogs.
• If you must use canned baked beans in this dish, we suggest doctoring them up a bit to enhance the flavor – consider adding some molasses, maple syrup, dijon mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard powder, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, or other seasonings.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make Beans and Franks ahead of time?  Yes, see Tips & Tricks above. Everything except the hot dogs can be made a day in advance.
• How do I store leftovers?  This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• How do I reheat leftovers? Individual portions of beans and franks can be microwaved to heat through, or reheat in a pot on the stove.
• Can I freeze the leftovers?  We don’t recommend it. The beans will get mushy after freezing and thawing.  

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You might like these other Bean Recipes:

• Filipino Beans and Rice
• Boston Baked Beans
• Pesto Chicken over Sautéed Cannellini Beans
• Greek Spinach with White Beans and Feta

Click here for more delicious Comfort Food Recipes!

See the Recipes

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