Easy franks and beans without pork is a simple 2-ingredient, budget-friendly recipe for the classic and nostalgic appetizer or snack that was inspired by old-fashioned Beanee Weenies!
About this quick dish…
Franks and beans is a favorite nostalgic American comfort food.
A classic appetizer for parties and get-togethers, a snack in front of the TV watching a game or a movie!
Just 2 ingredients that come together perfectly into a dairy-free, high-protein dish with no effort at all.
No cooking skills required! Just slice, mix, heat, and serve!
And this recipe has no pork or dairy, so it’s terrific for anyone avoiding those ingredients!
It’s also a great meal idea if you need something fast for a potluck.
There is absolutely no need to overcomplicate a classic when a single can of vegetarian baked beans and sliced kosher hot dogs will do the trick.
A little history
In Colonial times, the Puritan settlers would slow-bake beans with molasses (which is sweet) and pork on Saturday, so they could eat them on Sunday without breaking the religious laws against cooking or working on the Christian Sabbath.
While Van Camps started canning produce and selling to the Union army during the American Civil War, canned beans were first mass-produced in the US in the 1870s by WK Lewis and Family and later by Van Camps in the 1890s. Heinz began commercially mass-producing their beans a year later.
Another famous brand, Bush’s, didn’t hit the market until much later, at the end of the 1960s, when a family recipe was adapted to be canned.
The combination of hot dogs and baked beans became very popular during WWII by a military cook named Charles Dumberger. After that, Van Camp trademarked the iconic canned version and called it Beanee Weenee, while other brands call it Franks & Beans.
The combination became a tradition for families in the Northeast US to eat the dish on Saturday nights.
And beans have health benefits!
What is needed to make Easy Franks and Beans without Pork?
I hardly ever meal plan, so I like to keep a cupboard full of seasonings, spices, veggies, and canned goods in my kitchen to use whenever the mood strikes.
But these two ingredients are all you need to have on hand to make this recipe even last minute!
kosher hotdogs
vegetarian baked beans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of hot dogs should I use to keep this pork-free?
Certified kosher hotdogs are the best to ensure they are made completely without pork. Also, since the laws for kosher food are very strict, this helps ensure that the other ingredients are quality as well.
What kind of baked beans work best?
Vegetarian baked beans work best for this recipe since they naturally contain no pork. They provide a rich, sweet, and savory sauce that coats the sliced hot dogs perfectly. Bush’s and Heinz are both very good.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat them in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until hot.
What foods can I serve to complement franks and beans?
A warm, crusty bread, baguettes, or cornbread for dipping and soaking up the bean sauce. Or you can have a side of something made with potatoes, a salad, or rice. And chips are an option for scooping and dipping.
Kosher hot dogs are the best. So, what makes them kosher?
Kosher hot dogs are regulated, not just by the government, but also by the laws of Judaism.
They’re made using high-quality cuts of beef or poultry from kosher animals that have been slaughtered strictly according to Jewish law.
They never contain pork, dairy, or fish products. So, they are perfect for anyone avoiding those ingredients!
Easy Franks and Beans without Pork Recipe
Easy and dairy-free franks and beans, without pork—with just hot dogs and vegetarian beans!
Ingredients
- 16 ounces vegetarian baked beans (Heinz/Bush's/etc.)
- 4 kosher hot dogs*
Instructions
- Slice hotdogs into disks.
- Pour beans into pot and add hotdog slices.
- Place on medium heat until hot, mixing occasionally.
Notes
* You can use regular or spicy. You can also substitute chicken hotdogs or whatever type you like.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 522Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 1596mgCarbohydrates: 51gFiber: 9gSugar: 19gProtein: 22g