Boston Baked Beans Recipe Easy Comforting Sweet Smoky Flavor
A comforting Boston baked beans recipe featuring a sweet and smoky flavor from molasses and bacon, slow-cooked to tender perfection. Perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) dry navy beans
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup (80ml) molasses (unsulfured)
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups (720ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Rinse 1 1/2 cups (300g) dry navy beans under cold water. Soak overnight in a large bowl with enough water to cover beans by 2 inches (about 5 cm). For a quick soak, bring beans and water to a boil for 5 minutes, then let soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans before cooking.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook 6 chopped bacon strips until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat.
- Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion to the bacon fat. Cook until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 7 minutes. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in soaked beans, 3 cups (720ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth, 1/3 cup (80ml) molasses, 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Return cooked bacon to the pot and stir well.
- Heat the mixture on the stovetop until it just starts to simmer, about 5 minutes.
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 3 to 4 hours, stirring every hour to prevent sticking. Beans should be tender and sauce thick and sticky.
- After baking, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let beans rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not skip soaking the beans to ensure even cooking. Maintain a low oven temperature (300°F) for tender beans and avoid burning the sauce. Stir gently every hour to prevent sticking. Use unsulfured molasses for best flavor. Add water if beans dry out during baking. For vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked paprika and liquid smoke, and use vegetable broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (240ml)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 12
Keywords: Boston baked beans, baked beans recipe, molasses beans, smoky beans, comfort food, slow cooked beans, navy beans, family recipe