Boston Baked Beans

What Kind of Beans Should You Use for Baked Beans?

Boston baked beans are traditionally made with Navy beans, a small white variety with a mellow and creamy flavor. If you don’t have Navy beans, Great Northern or cannellini can be used.

Boston vs. Regular Baked Beans

Traditional baked bean recipes use brown sugar to sweeten the tomato-based sauce, while Boston baked beans rely on molasses to add a honeyed richness to the dish.

How to Make Boston Baked Beans

Ready for an irresistibly zesty bowl of baked beans made from scratch? You’ll find the full recipe below with step-by-step instructions, but here’s what you can expect when you make this top-rated recipe:

Begin by boiling pre-soaked navy beans, then reduce the heat and simmer for one to two hours. Layer cooked beans in a casserole dish with bacon strips, and onions, then pour the ketchup-molasses mixture over the dish. Cover and bake for three to four hours for fragrant, bubbling goodness.

How Long Do Baked Beans Last in the Fridge?

Homemade baked beans will last three to four days in the refrigerator if properly stored. Keep them in an airtight container for best results. Reheat beans easily in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in a 350 degrees F oven (covered with foil).

Boston Baked Beans

Boston Baked Beans are a beloved New England tradition made with navy beans, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, and often a touch of salt pork or bacon. Slow-cooked until deeply flavored and tender, these beans are sweet, savory, and satisfying. Whether served alongside grilled meats, hot dogs, or cornbread, they offer a nostalgic taste of old-fashioned American home cooking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, New England

Calories: 382

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 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

Equipment

• Colander or sieve
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula
• Large bowl (for soaking beans)
• Dutch oven or slow cooker

Method

 

1. Transfer soaked navy beans and soaking water to a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until nearly tender, approximately 1 to 2 hours. Drain and reserve the cooking liquid.
3. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
4. Arrange 1/2 of the beans in the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish. Place 1/2 of the bacon strips over the beans and sprinkle 1/2 of the onions over top. Repeat layers once more.
5. Combine ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dry mustard in a large saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil.
6. Pour sauce over the beans. Pour in just enough reserved cooking liquid to cover the beans. Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours. Remove the lid and continue to cook, checking every 1/2 hour or so and adding more cooking liquid if necessary to prevent the beans from getting too dry, until beans are soft and tender, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 more hours.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 382kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 21gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 1230mgPotassium: 1174mgFiber: 17gSugar: 20gVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 141mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Rich, hearty, and gently sweetened with molasses, Boston Baked Beans are a classic comfort food that slow-cooks to perfection.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!