Classic New England Style Slow-Cooked Baked Beans
Experience the heart and soul of New England with these slow-cooked baked beans, a cherished tradition passed down through generations. No Saturday night feast is complete without them! These savory beans were once served with fish cakes and a refreshing cabbage salad, but today they shine alongside baked ham and hot dogs. This recipe provides a perfect balance of flavors, with a hint of sweetness from molasses and brown sugar, complemented by the rich taste of salt pork. Perfect for gatherings, these beans are best when left to simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, they freeze well, making them great for meal prep! Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll be hooked. A big thanks to my nanny for inspiring this recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried white pea beans or navy beans
2 lbs (Soaked overnight and drained)
Medium onions
2 (Whole)
Salt pork
4-6 ounces (Meaty chunks (optional))
Molasses
1 cup (None)
Brown sugar
3/4 cup (Packed)
Sweet pickle juice or vinegar
2 tablespoons (None)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Dry mustard
2 teaspoons (None)
Cinnamon
1/16 teaspoon (None)
Water
2 cups + more as needed (For soaking and cooking)
Instructions
1
Soak the dried beans overnight in plenty of water. If you’re short on time, use the quick soak method: cover beans with water, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour.
2
After soaking, drain the beans and replace them with fresh water. Boil the beans for 30 minutes to soften them slightly.
3
In your crock pot, place the whole onions and chunks of salt pork at the bottom for added flavor.
4
Pour the pre-soaked and drained beans over the onions and pork.
5
In a saucepan, combine molasses, brown sugar, sweet pickle juice (or vinegar), black pepper, dry mustard, and cinnamon. Heat the mixture just until it boils, stirring occasionally, then pour it over the beans in the crock pot.
6
Add enough water to cover the beans completely, then cover the crock pot, and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours. Monitor the water level, adding more as necessary to ensure the beans remain covered.
7
During the last 2 hours of cooking, remove the lid to allow the beans to thicken. Stir the beans every 2 hours and resist the urge to add too much water at this stage; a thick, saucy consistency is desired.
8
Enjoy the caramelized flavor of the cooked onions served alongside the beans, an unexpected treat!
9
These beans freeze exceptionally well. Store in airtight containers or thick plastic bags, and when ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and reheat with a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
This recipe is for Classic New England Style Slow-Cooked Baked Beans.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of dried white pea beans or navy beans.
How should the beans be prepared before cooking?
Soak the beans overnight in plenty of water, then drain them.
Is there a faster way to soak the beans?
Yes, cover the beans with water, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, remove from heat, and let sit for 1 hour.
Do I need to boil the beans before putting them in the slow cooker?
Yes, after soaking and draining, boil the beans in fresh water for 30 minutes to soften them.
What items go at the bottom of the crock pot?
Place whole medium onions and meaty chunks of salt pork at the bottom of the crock pot.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 medium onions.
Is the salt pork required?
Salt pork is optional but recommended for added flavor; you should use 4-6 ounces of meaty chunks.
What provides the sweetness in these beans?
The sweetness comes from 1 cup of molasses and 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
Can I substitute sweet pickle juice?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of either sweet pickle juice or vinegar.
What spices are used in the sauce?
The sauce includes black pepper, dry mustard, and a tiny amount of cinnamon.
How much dry mustard is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of dry mustard.
How much cinnamon is added?
A very small amount is used: 1/16 of a teaspoon.
How do I prepare the sauce mixture?
Combine molasses, sugar, pickle juice, pepper, mustard, and cinnamon in a saucepan and heat until it boils.
How long do the beans cook in the crock pot?
They should cook on low for 10 to 12 hours.
How much water should I add to the crock pot?
Add enough water to cover the beans completely, roughly 2 cups or more as needed.
Should I monitor the water level during cooking?
Yes, check the water level occasionally and add more to ensure the beans stay covered.
How do I get the beans to thicken?
Remove the lid from the crock pot during the last 2 hours of cooking.
How often should I stir the beans?
It is recommended to stir the beans every 2 hours.
Can I add water at the very end?
You should resist adding too much water in the final 2 hours to ensure a thick, saucy consistency.
What happens to the onions in this recipe?
The whole onions become caramelized and are served as a delicious treat alongside the beans.
Are these beans freezer-friendly?
Yes, they freeze exceptionally well in airtight containers or thick plastic bags.
How should I reheat frozen baked beans?
Thaw them at room temperature and reheat with a splash of water if they are too thick.
What were these beans traditionally served with?
Traditionally, they were served with fish cakes and cabbage salad.
What are good modern pairings for these beans?
They are excellent alongside baked ham and hot dogs.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, the recipe was inspired by the author's nanny and is a cherished New England tradition.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes, by omitting the optional salt pork, the recipe can be made vegetarian.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Why is the quick soak method useful?
It is a great time-saver if you forgot to start the soaking process the night before.
What is the key to the flavor of these beans?
The long, slow cooking time allows the molasses, spices, and salt pork flavors to meld beautifully.