Boston Baked Beans
A classic New England dish, these Boston Baked Beans are slow-cooked to perfection with the rich sweetness of molasses, the savory depth of salt pork, and a hint of mustard. Perfect as a hearty side dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Navy beans(Dried beans are essential for this recipe.)
- 4 oz Salt pork(Cut into 1/2-inch cubes or strips. Can substitute with thick-cut bacon.)
- 1/2 cup Molasses(Dark or blackstrap molasses will yield a richer flavor.)
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar(Dark brown sugar is recommended for its molasses notes.)
- 1 medium Yellow onion(Finely chopped.)
- 1 tbsp Dry mustard powder(Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor.)
- 1 tsp Salt(Adjust to taste, especially considering the saltiness of the pork.)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground is best.)
- As needed Water(For soaking and cooking.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the dried navy beans thoroughly. Place them in a large bowl and cover with at least 3 inches of cold water. Let soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse the beans before proceeding.
⏱️ 8-12 hours (soaking) - 2
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (a traditional bean pot is ideal), layer half of the salt pork (or bacon) and half of the chopped onion on the bottom. Add the drained beans over the pork and onion.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the molasses, brown sugar, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the beans. Add the remaining salt pork and onion on top.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Pour enough fresh water into the pot to just cover the beans, about 1 to 1.5 inches above the beans. Stir gently to distribute the liquid, but avoid mashing the beans.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Cover the pot tightly with a lid. If your pot doesn't have a lid, use heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring a good seal. Place the pot in the preheated oven.
⏱️ 15 minutes (initial baking) - 6
Bake for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beans are tender and creamy. Check periodically (every 1-2 hours) and add more hot water if the beans appear dry, ensuring they remain submerged. The sauce should thicken and become rich. The beans should be soft enough to mash easily with a fork.
⏱️ 6-8 hours - 7
Once tender, remove the lid for the last 30-60 minutes of baking if you prefer a slightly thicker sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.
⏱️ 30-60 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a traditional earthenware bean pot can enhance the slow-cooking process and flavor.
- ✓The 'low and slow' cooking method is crucial for achieving tender beans and a rich, integrated flavor.
- ✓The balance of sweet (molasses, brown sugar) and savory (salt pork, mustard) is key to authentic Boston Baked Beans.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a smoky flavor, substitute thick-cut bacon for salt pork.
- To make them less sweet, reduce the amount of molasses and brown sugar by half.
- Add a splash of maple syrup along with the molasses for a different kind of sweetness.