July 13 National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day: History, Recipes & How to Celebrate in 2026

Last updated: July 13, 2026

Quick Answer: July 13 National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day is an annual unofficial food holiday celebrated every July 13 in the United States. It honors the classic comfort food combination of baked beans and sliced frankfurters, a dish rooted in American home cooking and campfire tradition. No government proclamation created it, but the day is widely recognized by food calendars and shared enthusiastically on social media each year. [2]

Key Takeaways

• July 13 National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day falls on July 13 every year, making it a mid-summer food celebration.
• The holiday is unofficial, with no congressional or presidential proclamation behind it.
• Beans ‘n’ franks is a simple, low-cost dish combining baked beans and sliced hot dogs or frankfurters.
• Navy beans and pinto beans are the most popular choices for the dish; canned baked beans are a common shortcut.
• The slow cooker is one of the easiest methods for making beans ‘n’ franks at home.
• Vegetarian and vegan versions using plant-based sausages work well and are widely available in 2026.
• The dish is high in protein and fiber but also relatively high in sodium, so portion awareness matters.
• Celebrating is as simple as cooking the dish at home, sharing a photo online, or hosting a backyard cookout.
• National Day Calendar lists July 13 alongside other food and cultural observances for the same date. [3]
• The dish differs from chili dogs primarily in its sauce base and bean-to-meat ratio.

What Is National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day?

National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day is an unofficial American food holiday observed every July 13. It celebrates the combination of baked beans and frankfurters as a beloved, budget-friendly comfort food. [2]

The holiday gives home cooks and food enthusiasts a reason to prepare, share, and talk about a dish that has fed American families for generations. Like many food holidays on the national calendar, it was created by food enthusiasts rather than legislators, and it spreads primarily through social media, food blogs, and day-calendar websites. [3]

What counts as beans ‘n’ franks? The dish typically includes:

• Baked beans (canned or homemade) in a sweet-savory tomato or molasses sauce
• Sliced hot dogs or frankfurters stirred in or laid on top
• Optional additions: brown sugar, mustard, onion, bacon, or barbecue sauce

The result is a hearty, one-pot meal that works as a main dish, a side at a cookout, or a quick weeknight dinner.

When Did National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day Start?

The exact founding date and originator of National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day are not documented in any verified public record. Like the majority of unofficial American food holidays, it likely emerged from food-calendar communities in the early internet era and gained traction as social media made sharing food holidays easier.

What is clear is that the day has been consistently listed on July 13 by major food-holiday tracking sites, and social media posts celebrating it appear annually. [2][3] There is no record of a corporate sponsor or industry group formally launching the holiday, which is common for grassroots food observances of this type.

Key context: The United States has hundreds of unofficial food holidays. Most lack a single traceable origin. Their staying power comes from community engagement rather than official recognition.

Why Is July 13 Beans ‘n’ Franks Day?

July 13 is the designated date for this food holiday, though no documented reason explains why that specific date was chosen over others. The mid-July timing does align naturally with peak summer cookout season in the United States, when hot dogs and outdoor cooking are already top of mind for many households.

July 13 also shares the calendar with other observances, including Barbershop Music Appreciation Day, which National Day Calendar notes alongside the beans ‘n’ franks celebration. [3] The summer placement makes the holiday a natural fit for backyard gatherings, camping trips, and family cookouts.

How Do You Celebrate July 13 National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day?

Celebrating July 13 National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day requires nothing more than making and enjoying the dish. The holiday is accessible to nearly anyone because the ingredients are inexpensive and widely available.

Practical ways to celebrate:

• Cook a pot of beans ‘n’ franks from scratch or use canned baked beans as a shortcut
• Host a backyard cookout and serve the dish as a side alongside grilled items (see our guide to National Hamburger Day for cookout pairing ideas)
• Share a photo on social media using hashtags like #BeansnFranksDay or #July13
• Try a new recipe variation, such as a slow cooker version or a vegetarian adaptation
• Introduce the dish to children as a fun, hands-on cooking activity

Social media communities actively post about the holiday each July 13, with Facebook and Instagram seeing regular engagement from food enthusiasts. [1][4][5]

Where Did Beans ‘n’ Franks Come From?

Beans ‘n’ franks draws on two deep threads in American food history: the tradition of baked beans and the rise of the frankfurter as a mass-market food.

Baked beans have roots in Native American cooking, where beans were slow-cooked with bear fat and maple syrup. New England colonists adapted the method using molasses and salt pork, and Boston baked beans became a regional staple by the 18th century. The commercial canning of baked beans in the late 19th century, led by companies like Van Camp’s and later Heinz, made them a pantry staple across the country.

Frankfurters (also called hot dogs or franks) became widely popular in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with vendors selling them at ballparks and fairs. By the mid-20th century, combining sliced hot dogs with canned baked beans was a common weeknight dinner solution for working families, prized for its low cost and minimal preparation time.

The pairing became embedded in American comfort food culture, appearing in school cafeterias, summer camps, and home kitchens throughout the 20th century.

What Beans Are Best for Beans ‘n’ Franks?

Navy beans are the traditional choice for beans ‘n’ franks because they hold their shape during long cooking times and absorb sauce flavors well. Pinto beans and kidney beans are popular alternatives that work equally well. [2]

Bean options at a glance:

Choose navy beans if you want the most traditional result. Choose kidney beans if you prefer a firmer texture that stands up to long slow-cooker cooking times.

Canned baked beans (already seasoned) are a perfectly acceptable shortcut and are what most home cooks use for a quick celebration meal.

Best Beans ‘n’ Franks Recipe

A reliable beans ‘n’ franks recipe uses pantry staples and comes together in under 30 minutes on the stovetop.

Classic Stovetop Beans ‘n’ Franks (serves 4)

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) baked beans or navy beans
• 4 to 6 beef frankfurters, sliced into rounds
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons ketchup or tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Half a medium onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon butter or neutral oil

Steps:

1. Saute the diced onion in butter over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
2. Add the sliced frankfurters and cook for 2 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Pour in the baked beans and stir to combine.
4. Add brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

Common mistake: Skipping the browning step for the franks. A quick sear adds depth of flavor that makes a noticeable difference in the finished dish. For bread pairing ideas, check out our National French Bread Day guide.

Can You Make Beans ‘n’ Franks in the Slow Cooker?

Yes, the slow cooker is an excellent method for beans ‘n’ franks. It requires minimal hands-on time and produces a deeply flavored, thick sauce because the ingredients cook together slowly.

Slow Cooker Method:

1. Combine canned or pre-soaked dried beans, sliced franks, diced onion, and all sauce ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Stir well to distribute the sauce.
3. Cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours.
4. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning.

Edge case: If using dried beans rather than canned, soak them overnight and pre-boil for 10 minutes before adding to the slow cooker. Dried beans that skip this step may not cook through properly, especially kidney beans, which contain a compound that requires boiling to neutralize.

How to Make Homemade Beans ‘n’ Franks Sauce

The sauce is what separates a memorable beans ‘n’ franks from a bland one. A good homemade sauce balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes.

Core sauce formula:

• Sweet base: Brown sugar, molasses, or maple syrup (2 to 3 tablespoons)
• Tangy element: Apple cider vinegar or yellow mustard (1 tablespoon)
• Savory depth: Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, or a small amount of bacon fat
• Body: Tomato paste or ketchup (2 tablespoons)
• Heat (optional): A pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce

Combine these ingredients and simmer with the beans for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.

What’s the Difference Between Beans ‘n’ Franks and Chili Dogs?

Beans ‘n’ franks and chili dogs are related but distinct dishes. Beans ‘n’ franks is a sauced bean dish with sliced frankfurters mixed in, served as a bowl or side. Chili dogs are whole hot dogs served in a bun and topped with chili sauce, which may or may not contain beans.

Key differences:

• Form: Beans ‘n’ franks is a mixed one-pot dish; chili dogs are a sandwich format.
• Bean ratio: Beans ‘n’ franks centers on beans as the primary ingredient; chili dog topping is a condiment.
• Sauce: Beans ‘n’ franks uses a molasses or tomato-based baked bean sauce; chili dog sauce is typically a spiced ground-meat chili.
• Serving style: Beans ‘n’ franks is served in a bowl, often with bread; chili dogs are handheld.

Both dishes share a summer cookout association and pair well with the same sides, such as coleslaw and corn on the cob.

Beans ‘n’ Franks Nutrition Facts

Beans ‘n’ franks is a filling, protein-rich dish, but it is also relatively high in sodium due to canned beans and processed frankfurters. The figures below are estimates based on a standard serving using canned baked beans and two beef franks.

Estimated nutrition per 1-cup serving (approximate):

Note: Values are estimates based on common ingredient labels. Actual nutrition varies by brand and recipe.

Practical considerations:

• Beans contribute significant fiber and plant-based protein, which supports satiety.
• Sodium is the primary nutritional concern; choosing low-sodium canned beans and reduced-fat franks can lower it considerably.
• The dish is naturally gluten-free when made with plain beans and gluten-free franks, though some canned baked bean brands add thickeners that contain gluten.

Are There Vegetarian Beans ‘n’ Franks Options?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan versions of beans ‘n’ franks are easy to make and widely accessible in 2026. Plant-based frankfurters from brands sold in most major grocery stores substitute directly for beef or pork franks in any standard recipe.

Vegetarian substitutions:

• Replace beef franks with plant-based sausages or hot dogs (slice and brown in a pan before adding)
• Use canned baked beans that contain no pork (many standard brands qualify; check the label)
• Replace Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a fully vegan version
• Add smoked paprika to compensate for the smoky depth that pork products typically provide

The dish works well as a plant-based protein source because beans alone provide substantial protein and fiber. Fans of legume-based cooking may also enjoy exploring National Chickpea Day for more bean-forward recipe inspiration.

Beans ‘n’ Franks Food Safety Tips

Beans ‘n’ franks involves both pre-cooked canned goods and processed meats, which have specific food safety considerations.

Key food safety rules:

• Temperature: Serve beans ‘n’ franks hot (above 140°F / 60°C) and do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially at outdoor summer events where ambient temperatures are high.
• Leftovers: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in an airtight container. Consume within 3 to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving again.
• Canned beans: Rinse canned beans before use to reduce sodium; inspect cans for dents, rust, or bulging before opening.
• Frankfurters: Although pre-cooked, frankfurters should be heated thoroughly before serving to reduce any risk from listeria, which can affect ready-to-eat processed meats.

Edge case for slow cooker use: If cooking dried beans in a slow cooker, always boil them first for at least 10 minutes on the stovetop. This step is particularly important for kidney beans.

Conclusion: Make the Most of July 13 National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day

July 13 National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day is a straightforward, accessible food holiday that celebrates one of America’s most enduring comfort foods. The dish requires minimal skill, inexpensive ingredients, and little time, making it genuinely easy to participate regardless of cooking experience.

Actionable next steps for 2026:

1. Plan ahead: Pick up canned baked beans, frankfurters, and pantry sauce ingredients before July 13.
2. Try one upgrade: Brown the franks before adding them, or make a homemade sauce instead of relying solely on canned beans.
3. Go slow cooker: If you have a busy day, set up the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a finished meal.
4. Share it: Post a photo on social media with the hashtag #BeansnFranksDay to join the community conversation.
5. Explore variations: Try a vegetarian version, a spicy version with chipotle peppers, or a New England-style version with molasses and salt pork.
6. Pair it well: Serve alongside classic French bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal.

The holiday is a reminder that great food does not require complexity. A pot of beans ‘n’ franks, made with care, is as satisfying in 2026 as it was in any decade before it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What day is National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day? National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day is observed every year on July 13 in the United States. [2]

Is National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day an official holiday? No. It is an unofficial food holiday with no government proclamation. It is recognized by food calendar sites and celebrated informally by home cooks and food enthusiasts. [2][3]

What are the best beans to use for beans ‘n’ franks? Navy beans are the traditional choice. Pinto beans and kidney beans are popular alternatives. Canned baked beans are the most common shortcut for quick preparation.

Can beans ‘n’ franks be made ahead of time? Yes. The dish reheats well and actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator as the sauce continues to absorb into the beans. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Are there vegetarian beans ‘n’ franks options? Yes. Plant-based frankfurters substitute directly for meat franks. Use pork-free canned baked beans and replace Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce for a fully vegan version.

How long does it take to make beans ‘n’ franks? On the stovetop, the dish takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes. In a slow cooker, it takes 4 to 6 hours on LOW or 2 to 3 hours on HIGH.

What do you serve with beans ‘n’ franks? Common pairings include crusty bread, cornbread, coleslaw, potato salad, and grilled corn. It also works as a side dish alongside grilled meats at a cookout.

Is beans ‘n’ franks gluten-free? It can be. Plain beans and most plain frankfurters are gluten-free, but some canned baked bean brands use additives that contain gluten. Always check labels if gluten sensitivity is a concern.

How do you reduce the sodium in beans ‘n’ franks? Use low-sodium or no-salt-added canned beans, rinse regular canned beans before use, choose reduced-sodium frankfurters, and limit added salt in the sauce.

What is the difference between franks and hot dogs? The terms are largely interchangeable in American usage. “Frankfurter” refers to the German origin of the sausage; “hot dog” is the common American slang. Both refer to the same type of pre-cooked, cured sausage typically made from beef, pork, or a combination.

Can kids help make beans ‘n’ franks? Yes. Older children can safely stir the pot and help measure ingredients. Slicing the franks is a task for adults or older teens with proper knife supervision.

What other food holidays fall on July 13? National Day Calendar notes that July 13 also includes Barbershop Music Appreciation Day alongside the beans ‘n’ franks observance. [3]

References

[1] facebook – https://www.facebook.com/groups/205056549280939/posts/620634107723179/ [2] National Beans N Franks Day – https://nationaltoday.com/national-beans-n-franks-day/ [3] facebook – https://www.facebook.com/NationalDayCalendar/posts/july-13-2026-national-beans-n-franks-day-barbershop-music-appreciation-day-natio/1457989856368931/ [4] Datsncgihju – https://www.instagram.com/p/DatsNCgIHjU/ [5] facebook – https://www.facebook.com/missdonnathecrazycatlady/posts/happy-national-beans-n-franks-day%EF%B8%8Fthe-united-states-commemorates-national-beans-/10237752822820353/