Old Fashioned Boston Baked Beans

Discover the comforting, slow-cooked goodness of Old Fashioned Boston Baked Beans, a timeless recipe brimming with rich, smoky flavors. This hearty dish starts with tender navy beans soaked and simmered to perfection before being baked in a luscious molasses-based sauce featuring brown sugar, dry mustard, and a touch of seasoning. Thick-cut bacon and finely chopped onion add depth and savory notes, while hours of oven braising create irresistibly tender beans with a caramelized finish. Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a side dish for your favorite barbecue, these baked beans are a true taste of New England tradition. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up every delicious bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:300 mins

Total Time:320 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 6 cups water
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup molasses
• 0.25 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups water (for baking)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the navy beans under cold water and remove any debris or damaged beans.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the beans with 6 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 3

Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the beans soak for 1 hour.

Step 4

After soaking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly. Set aside.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Step 6

In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, lay the slices of thick-cut bacon across the bottom.

Step 7

In a separate bowl, mix together the molasses, brown sugar, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper. Add 2 cups of water and stir until combined.

Step 8

Pour the molasses mixture over the bacon. Add the rinsed beans and stir gently to distribute the flavors without disturbing the bacon layer too much.

Step 9

Add the diced onion on top of the beans and mix gently.

Step 10

Cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 4–5 hours, checking occasionally to see if more water is needed to keep the beans from drying out.

Step 11

About halfway through the cooking time, gently stir the beans to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 12

Once the beans are tender, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the pot from the oven.

Step 13

Let the baked beans rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm as a side dish or main course with crusty bread or cornbread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2797.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2627.6

Total Fat 43.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 64.3mg	0%
Sodium 5048.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 456.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 72.0g	0%
Total Sugars 182.4g
Protein 114.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1158.6mg	0%
Iron 32.3mg	0%
Potassium 9135.1mg	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: 14.6%

Protein: 17.1%

Carbs: 68.3%