Most traditional baked beans are made with small white navy beans, though other white beans like Great Northern or cannellini are also common in homemade versions.

Quick Scoop: What kind of beans are baked beans?

  • The classic choice is navy beans (also called haricot beans in the UK), which are small, white, and turn creamy when cooked.
  • Many canned “baked beans” on supermarket shelves are also based on navy beans for that familiar texture and mild flavor.
  • Some recipes swap in other white beans such as Great Northern or cannellini, which are slightly larger but still mild and creamy.
  • Other hearty beans like pinto, kidney, or pink beans sometimes appear in more creative or regional baked bean recipes, especially when a firmer texture is desired.

In short, when people ask “what kind of beans are baked beans,” they’re almost always talking about navy beans, with Great Northern and cannellini as close cousins in many recipes.

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