Cheese and Molasses Beans

Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Cheese and Molasses Beans, a hearty dish that blends the sweet, smoky goodness of molasses with a tangy kick of Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar. Tender navy beans are simmered in a flavorful sauce infused with garlic, brown sugar, and aromatic spices, then finished with a golden, bubbly layer of melted cheddar cheese. This recipe is the perfect choice for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, whether served alongside crusty bread or as part of a barbecue spread. With options for dried or canned beans, and a simple combination of pantry staples, this dish brings both versatility and irresistible taste to your table. Perfect for fans of baked beans with a creative twist, this cheesy baked version will earn a spot in your recipe rotation.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Navy beans (dried, or canned if preferred)
• 0.5 cup Molasses
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups Vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

If using dried navy beans, rinse them and soak in water overnight. Drain and rinse the beans again before cooking.

Step 2

Place the soaked navy beans in a pot with fresh water, ensuring the beans are covered by at least 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them, and skip this step.

Step 3

Preheat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil.

Step 4

Sauté the chopped onion in the olive oil for 5-6 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Pour in the vegetable broth and stir well to combine.

Step 8

Add the cooked (or canned) navy beans to the skillet. Stir to coat the beans in the molasses mixture.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are flavorful and the sauce has thickened.

Step 10

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you are baking the beans.

Step 11

Transfer the beans to an oven-safe casserole dish if not using an oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beans.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with crusty bread or as a side to your favorite meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1354.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1901.6

Total Fat 69.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 120mg	0%
Sodium 4596.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 263.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 44.8g	0%
Total Sugars 146.2g
Protein 66.9g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1486.6mg	0%
Iron 21.4mg	0%
Potassium 4318.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.1%

Protein: 13.7%

Carbs: 54.1%