Maine Baked Beans

Dive into the heartwarming flavors of classic New England cuisine with this traditional Maine Baked Beans recipe. Perfectly slow-cooked for hours, this dish combines tender dried navy beans with the rich, smoky essence of salt pork, sweet molasses, and just a touch of brown sugar for a beautifully balanced sweetness. Rounded out with a hint of dry mustard and aromatic onion, these beans are baked to perfection in a thick, flavorful sauce, creating a fully caramelized top layer. Ideal for cozy gatherings or as a hearty side at a barbecue, this time-honored recipe is simple to prepare and fills your home with irresistible aromas. Whether served alongside warm cornbread or enjoyed on their own, Maine Baked Beans are a true comfort food classic that bring tradition and taste to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:480 mins

Total Time:495 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried navy beans
• 0.5 pound salt pork
• 1 medium onion
• 0.5 cup molasses
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and sort the dried navy beans, discarding any debris. Soak the beans overnight in a large bowl of water, ensuring they are submerged by at least 2 inches.

Step 2

The next day, drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add fresh water to cover the beans by about 2 inches.

Step 3

Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, skimming any foam that rises to the surface.

Step 4

While the beans cook, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 5

Dice the salt pork into large chunks. Peel and quarter the onion.

Step 6

Drain the cooked beans, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid.

Step 7

In a deep oven-safe bean pot or Dutch oven, layer half of the beans on the bottom. Place the salt pork and onion quarters over the beans, then cover with the remaining beans.

Step 8

In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved cooking liquid, molasses, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the beans, ensuring they are well coated.

Step 9

Cover the pot with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 hours. Check the beans every 2 hours, adding hot water as needed to keep them moist.

Step 10

During the last hour of baking, remove the lid to allow the beans to develop a rich, caramelized top layer.

Step 11

Once the beans are tender and the liquid has thickened into a flavorful sauce, remove from the oven. Let the beans rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2476.1 grams (2476.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3346

Total Fat 121.50g	156%
Saturated Fat 46.90g	234%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 159mg	53%
Sodium 7036mg	306%
Total Carbohydrate 447.50g	163%
Dietary Fiber 72.30g	258%
Total Sugars 171.50g
Protein 126.60g	253%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1178mg	91%
Iron 34mg	191%
Potassium 9271mg	197%

*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: 32.3%

Protein: 14.9%

Carbs: 52.8%