There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of New England Baked Beans. Picture a cozy evening, the aroma of sweet molasses and smoky bacon wafting through your kitchen, making your taste buds dance in anticipation. creamy mac and cheese Each spoonful brings together tender beans with a hint of sweetness and a touch of hearty goodness, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a winter gathering.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What type of beans should I use for New England Baked Beans?
- Can I make these baked beans vegetarian?
- How long do New England Baked Beans need to cook?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every family has that one recipe that sparks nostalgia. For me, it was my grandmother’s New England Baked Beans, bubbling away in her cast-iron pot while we swapped stories around the dinner table. fried goat cheese bites The anticipation would build as the smell enveloped us; it was simply irresistible. These beans are not just food; they are memories served up with love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal active cooking time
- The flavor profile is rich, sweet, and smoky, making every bite delightful
- Its beautiful caramel color and glossy texture make it visually appealing for any dinner gathering
- Versatile enough to be served as a side dish or main course, this recipe fits any occasion perfectly
It was one summer afternoon that I first made this dish with my grandmother. We laughed as I tried to measure everything precisely, only to have her insist that “a pinch of this” or “a splash of that” was all we needed.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Dried Navy Beans: These tiny beans are traditional for baked beans due to their creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
- Molasses: Use unsulfured molasses for depth of flavor; it gives the dish its signature sweetness and richness.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for a smoky flavor that complements the beans wonderfully.
- Onion: A yellow onion works best here; sauté until translucent to release its natural sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: This adds an extra layer of sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- Mustard Powder: Just a pinch enhances the flavor without overpowering the dish; it brings balance.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
- Water or Broth: Use low-sodium broth if available; it adds flavor without too much saltiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Beans: Start by rinsing one pound of dried navy beans under cold water until clean. Soak them overnight in plenty of water for at least eight hours or use the quick soak method by boiling them for two minutes before letting them rest for an hour.
Sauté the Bacon and Onion: In a large pot, cook four slices of thick-cut bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon but keep the fat in the pan. Add one diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in half a cup of molasses, one-third cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon mustard powder, salt, pepper, and cooked bacon crumbled into bits back into the pot with the onions.
Add Soaked Beans and Liquid: Drain the soaked beans and add them to the mixture along with six cups of water or low-sodium broth. Give everything a good stir while contemplating how delicious this will be!
Bake Low and Slow: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover your pot tightly with lid or foil and bake for about five hours until beans are tender and flavorful—check occasionally to ensure they don’t dry out! zesty corn dip.
Serve Warm!: Remove from oven when done! Spoon out steaming servings into bowls—don’t forget some crusty bread on the side for dipping—and enjoy those delightful flavors reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen!
Cooking New England Baked Beans may take some time but trust me—it’s worth every minute! You’ll find yourself savoring each bite while sharing stories just like I did with my grandmother all those years ago. roasted chicken with vegetables Enjoy making new memories around your table!
You Must Know
- New England Baked Beans aren’t just a dish; they’re a family tradition
- The sweet aroma of molasses and bacon bubbling away creates an inviting atmosphere that warms the heart, making every gathering feel special
- This hearty meal is perfect for any occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by soaking the beans overnight for a creamier texture. Cook them slowly with spices to develop deep flavors. Timing is key here; let them simmer low and slow for ultimate tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out maple syrup for brown sugar or add a splash of apple cider vinegar. A dollop of mustard can bring out a delightful tanginess, making your dish uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover New England Baked Beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep them moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect flavor balance, try using high-quality dried beans instead of canned ones
- Soaking not only softens them but also improves digestibility
- Add salt towards the end of cooking to avoid tough beans, ensuring each bite is perfect
Cooking New England Baked Beans reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where laughter and stories blended with the sweet smell of molasses simmering on the stove. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Orange Sweet Rolls recipe.
FAQ
What type of beans should I use for New England Baked Beans?
Use navy or great northern beans for their creamy texture and mild flavor.
Can I make these baked beans vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead for delicious flavor.
How long do New England Baked Beans need to cook?
They typically require 6 to 8 hours in a slow cooker or about 3 hours in the oven at 300°F.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
New England Baked Beans
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
New England Baked Beans are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender navy beans with the rich flavors of molasses and smoky bacon. This beloved dish not only warms your belly but also brings back cherished memories of family gatherings. Ideal for any occasion, these baked beans are easy to whip up and perfect alongside crusty bread or as a hearty main course.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried navy beans
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups low-sodium broth or water
Instructions
- Rinse and soak navy beans overnight in water. Alternatively, boil for 2 minutes and let rest for an hour.
- In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, keeping the fat in the pan, and sauté diced onion until soft.
- Stir in molasses, brown sugar, mustard powder, crumbled bacon, salt, and pepper.
- Drain soaked beans and add to the pot with broth or water. Stir well.
- Cover tightly and bake at 300°F for about 5 hours until beans are tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
