Classic Molasses-Glazed Baked Beans
Discover the savory delight of Classic Molasses-Glazed Baked Beans, a quintessential American dish that transforms humble ingredients into a rich and hearty meal. Perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a cozy night in, this recipe features tender beans baked with a medley of flavors—smoky salt pork, sweet molasses, and tangy ketchup, creating a perfectly balanced dish. Although the preparation requires some time, the process is remarkably straightforward, making it a great budget-friendly option. For an even more authentic experience, serve alongside traditional Boston Brown Bread for a delightful pairing that will transport you to the heart of New England culinary tradition.
N/A
Servings
220
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried small white beans
1 lb (soaked overnight)
bay leaves
2 (none)
large onion
1 (cut into 6 wedges)
salt pork
3.5 ounces (sliced 1/4 inch thick)
ketchup
3/4 cup (none)
dark brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
molasses
1/4 cup (none)
dry mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the dried small white beans under cold water to remove any impurities.
2
Place the rinsed beans in a large bowl and cover with water, ensuring at least 3 inches of water above the beans.
3
Allow the beans to soak overnight at room temperature.
4
The next day, drain the soaked beans and set them aside.
5
In a large heavy saucepan, combine the soaked beans with the bay leaves. Add enough fresh water to cover the beans by 3 inches.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and continue to boil gently for about 45 minutes, or until the beans are tender but not mushy.
7
Once cooked, drain the beans, reserving 4 cups of the cooking liquid for later use.
8
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9
In a large oven-proof pot with a lid (such as a Dutch oven), combine the onion wedges, slices of salt pork, ketchup, dark brown sugar, molasses, dry mustard, and the freshly ground black pepper.
10
Gently fold in the cooked beans, followed by 3 cups of the reserved cooking liquid. Adjust the liquid amount to ensure the beans are well covered.
11
Cover the pot tightly with aluminum foil, then place the lid on top to trap moisture.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 2 and 1/2 hours, or until the beans are very tender and the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally and adding additional liquid as necessary.
13
Before serving, taste the baked beans and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5.7g
Fat
37g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Molasses-Glazed Baked Beans?
Classic Molasses-Glazed Baked Beans is a traditional American dish featuring tender small white beans baked with smoky salt pork, sweet molasses, and tangy ketchup.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1 lb of dried small white beans.
How long should I soak the dried beans?
The beans should be soaked overnight at room temperature in a large bowl covered with at least 3 inches of water.
What is the initial boiling time for the beans?
After soaking and draining, the beans should be boiled gently for about 45 minutes until tender but not mushy.
Should I save the bean cooking liquid?
Yes, you should reserve 4 cups of the cooking liquid to use during the baking process.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What ingredients are used to flavor the beans?
The flavor base includes onion wedges, salt pork, ketchup, dark brown sugar, molasses, dry mustard, and black pepper.
How is the salt pork prepared?
The 3.5 ounces of salt pork should be sliced into pieces about 1/4 inch thick.
What kind of pot is best for baking the beans?
A large oven-proof pot with a lid, such as a Dutch oven, is ideal for this recipe.
How long do the beans need to bake in the oven?
The beans should bake for approximately 2 and 1/2 hours until they are very tender.
How do I ensure the beans stay moist while baking?
Cover the pot tightly with aluminum foil before putting the lid on to trap moisture, and add reserved cooking liquid as necessary.
How many calories are in a serving of these baked beans?
Each serving contains approximately 220 calories.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There are 5.7 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein do these beans provide?
This dish provides 8 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 37 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of sugar is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of packed dark brown sugar for a rich flavor.
How much molasses is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of molasses.
What traditional side dish is recommended with these beans?
For an authentic New England experience, serve these beans alongside traditional Boston Brown Bread.
Are there any specific spices used besides pepper?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 bay leaves during the boiling phase and 1 teaspoon of dry mustard for the glaze.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this dish.
How should the onion be cut?
The large onion should be cut into 6 wedges.
Can I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Yes, after baking, you should taste the beans and season with salt and pepper to your liking before serving.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, despite the long cooking time, the ingredients are humble and the process is straightforward, making it a budget-friendly option.
Do I need to stir the beans while they bake?
Yes, you should stir the beans occasionally during the 2.5-hour baking period.
What should the consistency of the beans be before baking?
The beans should be tender but not mushy after the initial boiling phase.
Is this a one-dish meal?
According to the tags, this can be served as a one-dish meal or a side dish.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to rinse the dried small white beans under cold water to remove any impurities.
How much ketchup is required?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of ketchup.
Is salt added during the cooking process?
The salt pork provides saltiness, but additional salt is added only at the end to taste.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features a savory, smoky, and sweet profile thanks to the combination of salt pork, molasses, and brown sugar.