Description
Classic Boston baked beans showcase rich molasses and savory bacon in a traditional New England comfort dish. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly for a satisfying side that connects you to regional culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 (15 oz / 425 g) cans baked beans or navy beans, drained slightly
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsps yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the baked beans.
- Bacon and Onion Preparation: Crisp bacon in a skillet over medium heat, remove and set aside. Sauté diced onions in bacon drippings (or olive oil) until translucent and soft.
- Bean Mixture Assembly: Combine beans with ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, molasses, vinegar, seasoning salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Fold in caramelized onions and crumbled bacon until evenly distributed.
- Baking Process: Pour the bean mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top develops a rich, caramelized crust.
- Serving: Allow beans to rest briefly before serving. Present as a delectable side dish alongside barbecue, grilled meats, or cornbread for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Optimize Bacon Rendering: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to extract maximum fat and achieve a perfect crisp texture without burning. Crumble or chop bacon uniformly for even flavor distribution throughout the dish.
- Choose Bean Variety Wisely: Mix different bean types like navy, pinto, and kidney beans for complex texture and rich nutritional profile. Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve overall taste.
- Control Sweetness Balance: Adjust brown sugar and molasses quantities to prevent overwhelming sweetness. Taste and modify seasoning gradually, ensuring a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
- Achieve Perfect Baking Consistency: Cover with foil during initial baking to retain moisture, then uncover to develop a delightful caramelized top layer. Watch carefully during final uncovered baking to prevent burning while creating a golden, slightly crispy surface.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg