An American’s attempt to understand the UK love affair with beans on toast has sparked a lively discussion online – with several people telling him exactly where he’s going wrong.
Venturing onto Reddit, the US-based man shared his first experience of creating the classic dish after ordering a 12-pack of Heinz Baked Beans. “Yank here- first time making beans on toast,” he wrote in the UK Food subreddit, posting a photo of his culinary attempt with bread and a cup of tea.
He described the process: “Ordered the beans from Amazon (12 pack). Heated the beans, buttered the toast, made a cup of (sadly American teabagged) tea. I get why this is popular. Rather comforting, will definitely be a great snack on a cold winter day. Next time I’ll top it with some cheddar.”
While his initial efforts were commended, numerous Brits chimed in with suggestions for improvement. One person commented: “Good effort, well done,” before suggesting: “Definitely grate some proper Cheddar on top and splash on some Lea and Perrins Worcestershire sauce or Henderson’s Relish. Brown sauce also works.”
Another concurred: “Good effort, if you can get Worcestershire sauce, add a splash of that and some grated Cheddar cheese as well.” Whilst a third person suggested the finishing touches should be applied: “You are so close to perfection…as others have said, cheese is a must, under or over the beans, either is fine. Never, EVER add to the beans, always add on top (yes to salad cream or Worcestershire sauce…I live in the UK town where it is made!). Also make sure the beans are cooked not just heated…they must be boiled and stirred to almost mushing!”
Returning to Reddit with a “follow-up” post after considering everyone’s advice, he wrote: “So I took the popular advice for round 2. I buttered the toast and melted quality cheddar I shredded on it. I mixed some black pepper and a bit of Worcester into the beans.”
“The cheese, pepper, and sauce definitely give it more complex flavors,” he mused. “It really is quite lovely. I had the wife try it. Her pronouncement? ‘It’s good.’ So I says to her, I says ‘Love, you really want to tell a bunch of Brits their national treasure is just ‘good? ‘ So she followed up with ‘Its very good.'”
In response to his culinary adventure, one Brit humorously commented: “You’ll start to wake up thinking about tea and accidentally start calling people guv’ner. Your transformation is inevitable once the virus has taken hold, there is no cure.”
Another suggested a slight alteration: “If you can get hold of them try Branston beans. Heinz used to be the best but over the years they’ve really let things slip. Now? They are really not that good. Many, most, brands are now much better.”
And a third person quipped: “As for the beans on toast, top job! I do think traditionally the cheese would go on top of the beans but you do you! Spiffing job old bean.”