Boston Baked Beans

Boston Baked Beans

from insanelygoodrecipes.com
345 min
8 servings

You can't beat the taste of classic Boston baked beans! With flavors of salty pork and sweet brown sugar combined with the tender beans, they're just too good!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried navy beans (or Great Northern beans)
  • 1/2 pound salt pork (or bacon), diced
  • 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. 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. 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. 3

    Preheat your oven to 300°F.

  4. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 11

    Boston Baked Beans are best served warm, with traditional sides like brown bread, coleslaw, or grilled sausages.