Baked beans in tomato sauce are a true crowd-pleaser—comforting, nostalgic, and endlessly versatile. Whether served on toast, a jacket potato, as a side dish, or simmered into a main, they’re a guaranteed hit with diners.

There are countless creative ways to use this humble ingredient, proving that baked beans belong on more than just breakfast plates. But first, let’s look at why they are such a firm British favourite.

A British Favourite, Loved by Chefs and Customers Alike

Beans on toast is more than just a quick meal—it’s a UK institution. It’s a go-to option when busy people want something that’s quick, tasty, and nutritious without the guilt factor.

Loved by adults and children alike, even chefs have been known to enjoy a quick plate of beans on toast after a busy service. Jono Parker, former MasterChef contestant and head chef at Vice and Virtue in Leeds, recently named it the one meal he could eat for the rest of his life. His words? “Beans on toast. You just can’t beat that, you just can’t. So comforting, so tasty, every time, Beans on toast!”

This simple dish gained its popularity during World War II when it was promoted as an affordable, protein-rich food to help support families during rationing. Decades later, its popularity shows no signs of fading. In fact, a 2025 YouGov ranking placed beans on toast as the ninth most popular British dish, even beating bangers and mash.

Why Chefs are Choosing Our CHEF Assured Baked Beans

Every kitchen stocks baked beans, but not all beans are created equal. Would your customers notice if you switched to an own-brand option?

Not if you’re using our newly launched CHEF Assured Baked Beans.

In blind taste tests, our beans came out on top nine times out of ten against leading brands, with many tasters shocked to find they were an own-brand product. Thanks to constant innovation and benchmarking, own-brand products now give serious competition to branded alternatives—at a significantly greater value too.

Our beans offer the perfect balance of sweet and savoury, with haricot beans cooked to perfection. They even won an award at the CCM Chefs’ Own Brand Awards last year.

Designed with caterers in mind, CHEF Assured baked beans offer:

• Premium quality – Made with haricot beans and natural flavourings
  
• High bean-to-sauce ratio – Holds well on breakfast bars and during service
  
• Versatility – Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner menus
  
• Health-conscious options – Available in standard and reduced salt & sugar recipes
  
• Cost-effective – Great value, filling and plant-based
  
• Sizes for every kitchen – 2.62kg tins for high-volume kitchens for the standard and reduced salt & sugar and 840g tins for the standard, ideal for smaller operations.
  

Beyond Toast: Creative Ways to Use Baked Beans

Before we get into more recipe ideas, it’s worth mentioning another British classic: jacket potato and beans. This humble dish has exploded in popularity this year, thanks to the viral TikTok sensations Spud Bros.

With millions of followers, the Preston-based duo have given jacket potatoes a fresh twist, loading them with garlic butter, melted cheese, crispy onions, their signature “tram sauce”—and, of course, baked beans. Even their T-Shirts say, “Full of Beans.”

Their creations have become so iconic that food lovers travel from around the world just to try them. American food critic and ex-MMA fighter Keith Lee even visited Spud Bros on his London food tour for Netflix. After tasting their controversial combination of cheese, beans, and “chewna” (tuna), Lee’s lukewarm reaction sparked a transatlantic food debate.

Americans mocked the dish while Brits rushed to defend baked beans—even if many agreed tuna might have been a step too far. The backlash sparked over 85 million TikTok posts, proving just how much passion baked beans inspire.

But for chefs, baked beans offer far more than viral gimmicks. Here are some standout ideas using CHEF Assured baked beans:

• Halloumi Hash – A hearty breakfast or brunch combining crispy potatoes, fried halloumi, and our rich tomato-infused beans.
  
• Cowboy Pie – A comforting twist on shepherd’s pie, packed with beans, sausage, bacon, and topped with golden CHEF Assured mash.
  
• Shakshuka – A Middle Eastern-inspired dish where our beans add depth to spiced tomatoes, peppers, and poached eggs.
  

A Simple, Dependable Staple, Done Right

Whether you’re serving breakfast in a café or running an all-day menu in a high-end hotel, baked beans are a cost-effective, protein-packed staple that customers love.

And with CHEF Assured baked beans, you’re guaranteed premium quality, consistent performance, and unbeatable value every time.

Speak to your Sales Advisor today to find out how much your kitchen could save by switching to CHEF Assured baked beans.