Boston Baked Beans

Rich, sweet, and tangy baked beans make the perfect side dish for any barbecue. This beloved family recipe has earned countless 5-star reviews, blending bacon, molasses, and mustard powder to create a wonderfully layered taste. Say goodbye to canned beans and make your own mouthwatering version at home. Plus, discover the best bean varieties for this dish and the differences between Boston and regular baked beans.

What Type of Beans Should You Choose for Baked Beans?

Boston baked beans are typically made with Navy beans, a small white bean known for its mild and creamy texture. If Navy beans aren't available, Great Northern or cannellini beans can be used as alternatives.

Boston Baked Beans vs. Traditional Baked Beans

Classic baked bean recipes often sweeten their tomato-based sauce with brown sugar, while Boston baked beans use molasses to bring a rich, honey-like sweetness to the dish.

How to Prepare Boston Baked Beans

Craving a mouthwatering, homemade batch of baked beans? Check out the complete recipe below with detailed steps, but here’s what you’ll experience when making this top-rated dish:

Start by boiling your pre-soaked navy beans, then lower the heat and simmer for one to two hours. Layer the cooked beans in a casserole with bacon strips and onions, then pour over the ketchup-molasses sauce. Cover and bake for three to four hours, until the dish is fragrant and bubbling with deliciousness.

How Long Can You Store Baked Beans in the Refrigerator?

Homemade baked beans will stay fresh in the fridge for about three to four days when stored correctly. For optimal freshness, keep them in an airtight container. You can easily reheat them in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in a 350°F oven (covered with foil).

Dinogo Community Reviews and Tips

"I used high-quality thick-sliced hickory bacon and added a touch of liquid smoke," says Sarah Jo. "By the end of the meal, there was only a small portion left. This recipe will replace my old version using canned beans. It was AMAZING."

"This is the first time I’ve ever made baked beans, and I’m so glad I found this recipe," shares home cook Nathalie. "It’s exactly what I was looking for — just like my grandmother used to make."

"A solid base recipe that you can easily customize to your liking," says Franzmom. "I soaked and rinsed the beans, then slow-cooked them overnight in my crockpot. I also added some chopped garlic while they cooked. Delicious!"

Contributed by Rai Mincey

Ingredients List

• 2 cups dry navy beans, soaked overnight

• ½ pound uncooked bacon strips

• 1 medium onion, diced

• ½ cup ketchup

• 3 tablespoons molasses

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 teaspoons salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon dry mustard

Instructions

Place the soaked navy beans and their soaking water into a saucepan.

Layer half of the beans in the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with half of the bacon strips and half of the onions. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with the remaining ingredients.

Pour the sauce over the beans, then add enough reserved cooking liquid to just cover the beans. Cover the baking dish with a lid or foil to seal it in.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (per serving)