Description
Hearty Boston Baked Beans deliver a classic New England comfort dish that sings with rich molasses and smoky bacon flavors. Savory slow-cooked goodness promises warmth and satisfaction in each spoonful, drawing you into a delicious culinary journey.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans:
- 2 (15 ounces / 425 grams) cans of baked beans or navy beans, drained slightly
- 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Meat (Optional):
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Flavoring Ingredients:
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even cooking atmosphere for the beans.
- Render bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches a crisp, golden texture. Extract the bacon and set aside, preserving the rendered fat. Sauté diced onions in the bacon drippings (or olive oil if omitting bacon) until they become translucent and tender.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate the assorted beans with a harmonious blend of tangy ketchup, rich brown sugar, robust mustard, deep molasses, sharp vinegar, seasoning salt, and freshly ground pepper. Incorporate the caramelized onions and crisp bacon fragments into the mixture, ensuring thorough distribution.
- Transfer the aromatic bean medley into a generously greased baking receptacle. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Allow the beans to simmer and meld flavors for 45 minutes. Remove the foil covering and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, permitting the surface to transform into a gloriously caramelized, slightly crusty layer.
- Once removed from the oven, permit the beans to rest momentarily, allowing the intense flavors to settle. Serve alongside smoky barbecue fare, succulent grilled chicken, or traditional cornbread for a complete, comforting meal.
Notes
- Adjust bacon thickness for crispier or softer texture depending on personal preference, ensuring even cooking by cutting uniform pieces.
- Experiment with different bean varieties like navy, pinto, or kidney beans to create unique flavor profiles and add nutritional diversity.
- For vegetarian version, replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain depth of flavor without meat, creating a rich umami experience.
- Control sweetness by gradually adding brown sugar and tasting, allowing flexibility for those preferring less sweet baked beans or catering to different palate preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg