$5 Dinner: Granny Franny’s Bean and Bacon Sandwiches
Several years ago, my dad’s mother gave him a wooden recipe box, his name painted on the lid, filled with instructions on how to make all his favorite childhood recipes. One of the favorites made in their west Texas ranch house when my dad was a little redheaded hellion was these sandwiches. They are simple as can be and so comforting, whether you grew up eating them or not.
The stars of these open-faced sandwiches are Ranch-Style Beans (buy here or make your own), good bacon, and thick slices of ripe, red tomatoes. I made these sandwiches with my dad in Dallas last week, and we had to run around the corner to a small shop for the tomatoes. I was dubious about tomatoes in January, but they were from west Texas, just like the sandwiches, and startlingly good. Since not everyone can get their hands on a good tomato right now, I can’t see any reason why you couldn’t use sweet grape tomatoes.
We can file these away in the “not-so-healthy” category. White bread, cheese and bacon pretty much seal the deal. But there’s something so nostalgic about these sandwiches, and not just because my dad use to eat them when he was a tyke. This is the kind of kitchsy, old school fare that reminds me of a simpler way of cooking and a simpler time. No sesame-crusted tuna or wasabi-mayo here. Would I want to eat this way all the time? Not really; the so-bad-it’s-good factor would lose its naughty appeal if this were the usual state of affairs. But for a cold, rainy day when a girl from Texas needs a reminder of her roots, I can’t think of a better meal. Please pass the fritos.
Bean and Bacon Sandwiches
makes 4 sandwiches, but a hungry person could probably eat two
4 slices white bread or Texas toast
1 can Ranch Style Beans (in a pinch, sub in baked beans for a different spin)
1 large ripe tomato, sliced
4 slices bacon, cut in half
grated sharp cheddar cheese, about 1 cup
Toast one side of the bread in the broiler. Meanwhile, cook bacon until crisp or floppy, however you like it. Remove bread from broiler, flip over, and divide beans evenly over the untoasted side of the four slices. Place a slice of tomato on the beans, cover with grated cheese, and lay the bacon on top in a criss-cross. Pop back into the broiler until cheese is melted. Dig in.
MelB: WOW…I thought my family was the only ones that made opened faced baked bean sandwiches. As a kid my mom made them with a regular can of pork and beans, tomatoes, bacon and slices of velveeta. They were a quick meal that we all loved. I never knew where my mom came up with the idea, but they sure are good.1 year ago
Sarah: MelB, Guess you’re not the only one!
1 year ago
Randi: Wow, does this bring back memories. Usually we’d have just baked beans with cheese on ours, I think occasionally bacon was added. No tomatoes though. I’ll have to make these soon — thanks for reminding me!1 year ago
shauna: Ohhh that looks tasty…and the handwriting on the recipe card is so swoonworthy!
1 year ago
Dana McCauley: That’s a great gift! I’ll have to do that for my son when he moves out in about 40 years.1 year ago
Kristina: Okay, I’m gonna peel my tongue off the screen now… Those look SO good.1 year ago
el: Ah, the lost art of penmanship.1 year ago
Kate: Wow, they are the ultimate in comfort food! Loving the recipe box gift too, my mum wrote me a book when I left home and it will be treasured forever and always!1 year ago
Anonymous: Who who ha ha ha! Dana’s comment (see above) made me belly laugh in my kitchen.1 year ago
Ashley Brooke: This looks amazing!! I am stopping by the store on the way home!
Also, I found your blog through the Martha site, I am really enjoying your posts. Thank you!!1 year ago
Mokie: Glad to were able to manage a nice visit with your Dad.
Do you think you might relocate back to Texas. Seems the economy is slightly less terrible there. And, since you are from there and have family there, the transition would be doable.
I’m concerned for your next gig.1 year ago
Sarah: Hi Ashley, Welcome! Hope you come back often!
Mokie, Yeah, it was a great visit. I’d love to check out Austin, but for now the fiance and I are a little tied to Brooklyn. Maybe someday…1 year ago
cassandra: I gave your Dad a nail brush for future photo shoots for POP.1 year ago
Haha!1 year ago