Horn Hardart's Baked Beans

Experience the nostalgia of "Horn Hardart's Baked Beans," a hearty, flavor-packed classic that has stood the test of time. This recipe combines creamy, slow-simmered navy beans with smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and a rich sauce made with molasses, dark brown sugar, and ketchup. A hint of tangy mustard and apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness, creating a perfectly rounded flavor profile. Baked low and slow in the oven for hours, these beans develop a luscious, caramelized finish and bold depth of flavor. Perfect as a comforting side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or cozy family dinners, this recipe is a true celebration of traditional American comfort food. Savor the irresistible combination of sweet, smoky, and savory in every bite! Optimize your table with this timeless favorite—easy to make and even better the next day.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:255 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans
• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup molasses
• 0.5 cup dark brown sugar
• 0.25 cup tomato ketchup
• 2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried navy beans under cold water and remove any debris. Soak them overnight in a large bowl of water, ensuring the beans are fully submerged.

Step 2

The next day, drain and rinse the beans. Transfer them to a large pot and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 4

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 5

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the molasses, dark brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sautéed onions and crispy bacon.

Step 7

Place the cooked beans in a large Dutch oven or baking dish. Pour the molasses mixture over the beans and stir to combine evenly.

Step 8

Add 4 cups of water to the beans and stir again. Cover the Dutch oven or baking dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the beans remain moist. Add a bit of water if needed.

Step 10

After 3 hours, remove the lid or foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes to allow the top to caramelize.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the baked beans rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2059.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3088.1

Total Fat 46.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 99mg	0%
Sodium 4952.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 547.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 73.4g	0%
Total Sugars 265.3g
Protein 137.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1214.3mg	0%
Iron 33.1mg	0%
Potassium 9658.9mg	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: 13.2%

Protein: 17.4%

Carbs: 69.4%