Boston Baked Beans
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried navy beans
or Great Northern beans
- 1/2 pound salt pork
diced, or bacon
- 1 large onion
finely chopped
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups water
or more as needed
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
Directions
- 1
Rinse the beans under cold water and place them in a large bowl. Cover with cold water, ensuring the beans are submerged by at least 2 inches. Soak the beans overnight (or for at least 8 hours).
- 2
Alternatively, you can quick-soak them by bringing the beans and water to a boil, turning off the heat, and letting them sit for an hour.
- 3
Preheat your oven to 300°F.
- 4
Drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a large pot. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer the beans for about 30-45 minutes, until they are just tender but not fully cooked. Drain, reserving some of the cooking liquid.
- 5
In a large oven-safe Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the diced salt pork (or bacon) over medium heat until lightly browned but not crispy. Remove from heat, but leave the rendered fat in the pot.
- 6
To the pot with the pork/bacon, add the par-cooked beans, chopped onion, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, ground cloves, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup.
- 7
Stir everything to combine. Add enough water to just barely cover the beans, about 2 cups. If needed, use some of the reserved bean cooking liquid.
- 8
Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 hours. Stir occasionally and check to ensure the beans are not drying out.
- 9
Add more water or reserved bean liquid as needed to keep them moist but not soupy. During the last hour of baking, remove the lid to let the beans develop a rich, thick sauce.
- 10
Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or a touch more molasses if needed for sweetness. The beans are ready when they are tender, the sauce is thick, and the flavors have deepened.
- 11
Boston Baked Beans are best served warm, with traditional sides like brown bread, coleslaw, or grilled sausages.
Boston Baked Beans
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sweet-and-tangy-baked-beans-recipe-0722FOO-2000-10d3aa5ac61d4245883ea58d31cee680.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving that quintessential taste of American comfort food? These Boston Baked Beans deliver on every front, bringing classic flavors right to your kitchen. This hearty dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering.
What makes this recipe truly special is the harmonious blend of salty pork and sweet dark brown sugar, slow-cooked with tender navy beans until every spoonful is rich and satisfying. The careful balance of aromatic spices like ground cloves and dry mustard adds a depth of flavor that sets this homemade version apart.
Prepare for a deeply flavorful dish that's both sweet and savory. You'll find the beans incredibly tender, almost melting in your mouth, enveloped in a thick, glossy sauce. The salt pork renders its fat and flavor throughout, creating a complex, satisfying base, brightened by a hint of apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. This is true comfort food, promising a nostalgic and utterly delicious experience with every bite.
For a slightly different savory note, bacon can be used in place of salt pork, offering a familiar smoky flavor. If you prefer a less intensely sweet profile, you can adjust the dark brown sugar slightly. Great Northern beans are also a fantastic substitute for navy beans, offering a similar creamy texture.
These authentic Boston Baked Beans are the ultimate side dish for BBQ, potlucks, or simply alongside grilled hot dogs and cornbread, creating a truly memorable meal.