Time Travel to Flavor: Baked Beans with Sausage, 1975 Style

I hopped into the DeLorean, cranked up the flux capacitor, and set the clock way back to July 4, 1975—a time when Fleetwood Mac was taking over the airwaves, Bill Gates was founding Microsoft, and U.S. troops were making their final evacuation from Saigon. Amid political turmoil and the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Americans still came together to celebrate Independence Day with good food, good company, and a shared sense of resilience.

That July 4th was special for another reason—it marked the debut of this iconic baked beans with sausage recipe. A true crowd-pleaser, it brought neighbors and friends together around picnic tables, barbecues, and bonfires. Sweet and smoky, with the hearty bite of sausage, these beans were as comforting as they were delicious—a culinary snapshot of an era when simple, hearty dishes took center stage.

A Taste of the Times

The mid-’70s were a transformative time for America. While grappling with the aftershocks of the Vietnam War and Watergate, we also witnessed the rise of a new cultural identity. The bicentennial was just around the corner, and celebrations were infused with a blend of nostalgia and optimism. Backyard barbecues became a quintessential part of the summer, and this recipe quickly earned its place as a Fourth of July favorite.

Fast Forward to Today

Almost 50 years later, this recipe is still on the menu for Independence Day. It’s a testament to its timelessness—comfort food that never goes out of style. This year, I’m bringing it back for another celebration, alongside grilled classics and festive desserts.

To honor its American roots, pair these baked beans with a great American craft beer. Whether you prefer a bold IPA, a crisp lager, or a smoky porter, the right brew will elevate this dish and add to the festivities.

So this Fourth of July, let’s celebrate American independence by revisiting the flavors of 1975. Dust off the Fleetwood Mac vinyl, crack open a craft beer, and enjoy a taste of history.

Let’s Make This!

Pre-heat the oven to 350, then crumble and brown the sausage in a skillet on medium high heat. Transfer and drain the sausage on a paper towel and set aside.

Combine brown sugar, ginger, mustard, pepper and salt with 1/3 cup of water. Add the pork and beans, sausage and onion, mix together and bake uncovered in a shallow baking dish for one hour

Final Thoughts

While I was in that time machine I should have made some notes on the stock market. If I had, we might be dining on real steak instead of tube steak! Don’t forget the hot dogs and potato salad. Happy July 4th!