Boston Baked Beans with Bacon

Dive into the rich, hearty flavors of classic New England cuisine with this Boston Baked Beans with Bacon recipe. Perfectly tender navy beans are slow-baked in a sweet and tangy molasses sauce, made irresistible with smoky, crispy bacon and caramelized onions. This comforting dish combines traditional ingredients like brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar for a balance of sweetness and acidity, while the long cooking time ensures every bite is infused with deep, robust flavor. Ideal as a side dish for barbecues or a stand-alone main course, these Boston baked beans are a timeless favorite that will bring cozy, nostalgic vibes to your table. Plus, with a make-ahead option and easy one-pot preparation, it's a stress-free way to elevate any meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:300 mins

Total Time:315 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 0.25 cup molasses
• 0.25 cup brown sugar, packed
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2.5 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and sort the navy beans, removing any debris or damaged beans. Place them in a large bowl, cover them with plenty of water, and let them soak overnight (8-12 hours).

Step 2

Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Set them aside.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Step 4

In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon, drain on paper towels, and set it aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.

Step 5

Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon grease and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

In a medium bowl, whisk together the molasses, brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, water, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Add the drained navy beans to the pot with the cooked onions, then pour the molasses mixture over the beans. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and sprinkle it over the top of the beans.

Step 9

Cover the pot with a lid or foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally and adding a little extra water if the beans appear dry.

Step 10

After 4-5 hours, the beans should be tender, and the sauce should be thick and flavorful. Remove the pot from the oven and let the beans rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm as a side dish or main course, and enjoy this classic Boston favorite!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1453.6 grams (1453.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2338

Total Fat 29.90g	38%
Saturated Fat 7.20g	36%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.00g
Cholesterol 48mg	16%
Sodium 4193mg	182%
Total Carbohydrate 410.70g	149%
Dietary Fiber 71.60g	256%
Total Sugars 133.10g
Protein 118.80g	238%

Vitamin D 8IU	39%
Calcium 945mg	73%
Iron 28mg	157%
Potassium 8038mg	171%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 11.3%

Protein: 19.9%

Carbs: 68.8%