Grandma’s Classic Baked Beans

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma and comforting taste of **Homemade Baked Beans with Bacon**. Forget the bland, store-bought cans; this recipe delivers a rich, sweet, and savory sauce that truly elevates this classic American side dish. Perfect for any gathering, from spring picnics to summer grilling extravaganzas, these scratch-made Boston Baked Beans are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Venturing beyond the convenience of a can allows you to unlock a depth of flavor and texture that is simply unparalleled. Our **Boston Baked Beans from Scratch** offer a wholesome, hearty experience, brimming with tender navy beans, smoky bacon, and a wonderfully balanced sauce that’s both complex and utterly delicious. Prepare to transform your next backyard barbecue or family meal with this timeless culinary masterpiece.

Why Homemade Baked Beans Are a Must-Try

Stepping into the kitchen to create **homemade baked beans** offers a rewarding experience, far surpassing the results of opening a can. Here’s why this recipe deserves a prime spot in your culinary repertoire:

• **Unmatched Flavor Customization:** One of the greatest advantages of making baked beans from scratch is the ability to perfectly tailor the flavors to your preference. Whether you prefer a sweeter profile by adding more brown sugar, a tangier kick from extra mustard, or a richer, deeper molasses note, you have complete control. This flexibility ensures your **traditional baked beans** are exactly how you love them.
• **A Refined Classic with a Personal Touch:** While classic recipes like the one originally featured in the New York Times provide an excellent foundation, our version has been thoughtfully tweaked to enhance its appeal. Recognizing that many palates appreciate a touch more sweetness, we’ve incorporated additional brown sugar, complementing the inherent warmth of molasses. This subtle adjustment creates a more harmonious and universally appealing flavor without sacrificing authenticity.
• **The Irresistible Umami Boost from Bacon:** The inclusion of generous cubes of smoky bacon isn’t just for texture; it’s a critical component for achieving that coveted fifth taste: umami. This savory depth elevates the entire dish, transforming simple beans into a profoundly satisfying culinary experience. The rendered bacon fat also infuses the beans with an unparalleled richness that store-bought versions simply cannot replicate.
• **Superior Texture and Quality:** When you prepare baked beans from dried beans, you control the cooking process from start to finish. This allows for perfectly tender beans that hold their shape, bathed in a thick, luxurious sauce – a stark contrast to the often mushy and overly uniform texture of canned varieties. The quality of your ingredients shines through, resulting in a fresher, more vibrant dish.
• **The Pride of Traditional Cooking:** There’s immense satisfaction in serving a dish made entirely from scratch. **Traditional Boston baked beans** carry a rich history, and preparing them yourself connects you to generations of home cooks. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting classic that brings people together.

Expert Tips for Crafting Perfect Baked Beans from Scratch

Achieving truly exceptional **homemade baked beans** involves a few key techniques and considerations. Follow these expert tips to ensure your dish is flavorful, perfectly textured, and utterly unforgettable:

• **Choosing the Right Beans for Authenticity:** For the most authentic **Boston Baked Beans**, dried navy beans or pea beans are your go-to choice. These small, white beans have a delicate flavor and a creamy texture that becomes wonderfully tender when slow-cooked. However, other thick-skinned beans that hold their shape well during extended cooking, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or Great Northern beans, can also be used as excellent alternatives, each lending a slightly different character to the dish.
• PRO-Tip for a Quicker Version: Using Canned Beans: If time is of the essence, you can certainly use canned beans to speed up the process. However, be aware that canned beans are often softer and more fragile, making them prone to becoming mushy. For this recipe, use four 15-ounce cans of drained white beans (like cannellini or navy beans). Rinse them thoroughly before adding to reduce sodium and improve flavor. Adjust baking time accordingly, as they will require less cooking than dried beans.
• **Essential Bean Soaking:** Don’t skip the soaking step for dried beans! Soaking them for at least 6 hours or, ideally, overnight, is crucial for proper hydration. This not only significantly reduces cooking time but also helps the beans cook more evenly, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overcooked. Soaking also aids in digestibility. Always drain and rinse soaked beans before cooking.
• **Adding Depth with Cured Meats:** The savory foundation of **bacon baked beans** comes from cured pork. Cubes of slab bacon are ideal, as they render flavorful fat and become delightfully crisp, adding both texture and a rich, smoky umami. Alternatively, leftover Easter ham or even a smoked ham hock can impart a wonderful, complex flavor profile to your beans. Experiment to find your favorite!
• PRO-Tip: Repurpose Leftovers: Instead of buying fresh bacon, consider using leftover Easter ham. Diced ham adds a fantastic, savory depth and a slightly different, equally delicious twist to your **homemade baked beans**. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and enhance your dish.
• **Gentle Handling for Intact Beans:** To prevent your beans from breaking apart and becoming mushy, avoid stirring them too frequently or too vigorously during the cooking process. A gentle stir occasionally is fine, especially when adding ingredients, but excessive agitation can compromise their texture, particularly with softer beans.
• **Thickening the Perfect Sauce:** The natural starches released from the beans during long, slow cooking will help thicken the sauce. However, if your baked beans are still too runny for your liking towards the end of the cooking time, you have several options:
  • **Cornstarch Slurry:** Mix a small amount of cornstarch (1-2 tablespoons) with an equal amount of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the beans and bring to a boil on the stovetop; the sauce will thicken as it heats.
  • **Tomato Paste:** A tablespoon or two of tomato paste can add both flavor depth and help thicken the sauce.
  • **Simmer Longer:** Simply remove the lid and allow the beans to simmer gently on the stovetop or bake longer in the oven. The excess liquid will evaporate, resulting in a richer, thicker sauce.
• **Creative Culinary Uses:** Beyond being a fantastic side dish, these versatile **baked beans** can be incorporated into other delightful recipes. Use them as the star of a Beanie Weenie Casserole for a nostalgic and hearty family meal, or serve them alongside hot dogs and burgers.

Key Ingredients: The Heart of Your Homemade Baked Beans

Every ingredient in this **homemade baked beans recipe** plays a crucial role in developing its signature sweet, savory, and smoky flavor profile. Understanding each component helps you appreciate the culinary alchemy at work and even allows for informed substitutions.

• Navy Beans – These small, ovate white beans are the traditional foundation for authentic **Boston Baked Beans**. Their mild flavor and ability to absorb the rich sauce make them incredibly popular. When using dried beans, they are highly economical and provide superior texture compared to canned options, but remember that proper soaking is essential for the best results and reduced cooking time.
• Salt – Far more than just a seasoning, salt is a fundamental flavor enhancer. Without it, even the most robust ingredients can taste flat and bland. In baked beans, salt balances the sweetness of molasses and brown sugar, making all the flavors pop. Adjust to your personal taste, especially given the sodium from bacon.
• Slab Bacon – This is a cornerstone of the recipe, providing crucial layers of flavor. As it cooks, slab bacon renders fat that deeply infuses the beans with a smoky richness. The crispy bits of bacon add a delightful texture and, most importantly, deliver a powerful umami punch, elevating the entire dish beyond simple beans. For variety, you can substitute with salt pork, ham, or even a spicy chorizo sausage for a different flavor dimension.
• Onion – A foundational aromatic, chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the beans once it’s sautéed and caramelized. This initial step builds a complex base flavor. For those who enjoy a more pungent kick, adding minced garlic along with the onion can create wonderfully garlicky baked beans.
• Molasses – A quintessential ingredient in **Boston Baked Beans**, molasses contributes a warm, dark, and rich sweetness with distinct earthy and slightly smoky undertones. It provides the characteristic deep brown color and complex flavor that defines this traditional dish. Always opt for unsulphured molasses for the best taste.
• Brown Sugar – Working in tandem with molasses, brown sugar adds a brighter, caramel-like sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile. Its moist texture and distinct taste complement the deeper notes of molasses, creating a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce. You can adjust the quantity based on your desired level of sweetness.
• Dry Mustard – This powerful spice adds a strong, pungent, and slightly bitter note that cuts through the sweetness and richness of the beans. It acts as a counterpoint, preventing the dish from being overly cloying and adding a subtle tang that is characteristic of classic baked beans. Don’t underestimate its importance!
• Black Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper contributes a pungent heat with subtle citrusy or piney undertones. It adds a gentle warmth and complexity that enhances the overall savory profile without overwhelming the other flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Baked Beans

Explore More Delicious Bean-Inspired Recipes

• 7-Layer Bean Dip from Tastes Better from Scratch
• Smoky Black Bean Dip
• Hearty Navy Bean Soup with Ham
• Sausage Lentil and Vegetable Chowder
• Discover More of the Best Side Dish Recipes

The Recipe:

Authentic Boston Baked Beans Recipe

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
6 hours

Additional Time
6 hours

Total Time
12 hours 15 minutes

Yield
8 servings

A classic, hearty baked beans recipe featuring tender navy beans, smoky bacon, and a rich, sweet molasses sauce.

Ingredients for Homemade Perfection

• 2 cups dried navy beans
• 3 teaspoons salt, divided
• 8 ounces slab bacon, cut into small cubes
• 1 medium white or yellow onion, chopped
• ⅓ cup molasses
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by soaking the dried navy beans in a large bowl filled with plenty of water for at least 6 hours, or ideally, overnight. This crucial step helps rehydrate them and speeds up cooking.
2. Once the soaking is complete, drain the beans thoroughly and transfer them to a large Dutch oven equipped with a lid.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the beans, then pour in enough fresh water to cover them by approximately 2 inches.
4. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender but still firm, usually around 40 minutes.
5. Carefully drain the par-cooked beans into a colander, reserving them for later.
6. Return the empty Dutch oven to the cooktop over medium-high heat. Add the chopped slab bacon and cook until it’s browned and crispy. Next, add the chopped onions to the rendered bacon fat and cook until they begin to soften and lightly brown. Finally, stir in the reserved beans.
7. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the molasses, brown sugar, dry mustard, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined. Pour this flavorful mixture into the pot with the beans and bacon.
8. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
9. Pour enough boiling water into the pot to ensure the beans are fully covered. Place the lid securely on the Dutch oven and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake until the beans are just tender and the flavors have melded beautifully, which typically takes about 4-5 hours.
10. Throughout the baking process, periodically check the liquid level. Add more boiling water as needed to keep the beans consistently covered and prevent them from drying out.
11. Once the beans are tender but still hold their shape (not falling apart), remove them from the oven. Stir in the remaining salt, or adjust to taste. Return the Dutch oven to the oven, this time without the lid, and continue baking for another 45 minutes to an hour, allowing the sauce to thicken to a rich consistency.

Recipe Notes and Tips

This recipe has been thoughtfully adapted from a traditional version found in New York Times Cooking, with adjustments made for enhanced flavor.

For an even thicker sauce, you can create a cornstarch slurry: combine 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 4 teaspoons of cold water, stir until smooth, then mix it into the hot beans. Bring the beans to a boil on the stovetop while stirring constantly until the sauce visibly thickens. This method provides a quick and effective way to achieve your desired consistency.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• High-Quality Santoku Knife
• Durable OXO Cutting Board
• Versatile Le Creuset Dutch Oven

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 325Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 1278mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 9gSugar: 19gProtein: 17g

Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results.

To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate.

HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest