Hearty New England Baked Beans
This Hearty New England Baked Beans recipe is a time-honored classic that will impress any gathering with its rich, savory flavor. The combination of tender navy beans, sweet dark molasses, and smoky ham creates a delectable dish that comforts and satisfies. Whether you're serving it at a backyard barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to win hearts and fill bellies. With an option for salt pork when a ham bone isn't available, you can always enjoy that delicious, irresistible taste. Gather around with your loved ones and make memories with this delightful comfort food!
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried navy beans
32 ounces (rinsed and soaked)
Salt
4 teaspoons (to taste)
Dark molasses
3/4 cup (packed)
Dark brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Dry mustard
1 tablespoon (ground)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Large onion
1 (studded with cloves)
Whole cloves
4-6 (for studding the onion)
Meaty ham bone or salt pork
1 piece (larger piece preferred)
Instructions
1
Rinse the dried navy beans well to remove any dirt or stones. Soak them in a large bowl or a 5-quart Dutch oven using one of two methods:
2
For the overnight method, cover each cup of beans with 3 cups of water and let them soak for at least 12 hours.
3
For a quick soak, add beans to boiling water using 3 cups of water for every cup of beans. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 1 hour. Retain the water for cooking.
4
After soaking, bring the beans and soaking water to a boil. Add salt, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1 hour.
5
Stir in dark molasses, brown sugar, dry mustard, and black pepper.
6
Stud the onion with cloves, then add it along with the ham bone (or salt pork) to the beans.
7
Cover the Dutch oven and bake in a preheated 250°F oven for about 7 hours, stirring and checking once an hour.
8
Adjust the moisture levels to your preference; add more water for a moister consistency or remove the lid for a thicker final product.
9
After baking, remove the onion and cloves, chop the onion, and add it back to the mixture.
10
Remove any meat from the ham bone or cut salt pork into bite-sized pieces before returning the meat to the beans. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hearty New England Baked Beans?
Hearty New England Baked Beans are a time-honored classic comfort food featuring tender navy beans, dark molasses, and smoky ham or salt pork, slow-baked to perfection.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 32 ounces of dried navy beans.
How long should I soak the beans overnight?
For the overnight method, cover each cup of beans with 3 cups of water and let them soak for at least 12 hours.
Is there a quick soak method for the beans?
Yes, add beans to boiling water (3 cups per cup of beans), boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 1 hour.
Should I discard the soaking water?
No, you should retain the water used for soaking to cook the beans.
How long do the beans need to simmer before baking?
After bringing the beans and soaking water to a boil and adding salt, reduce heat and let them simmer for 1 hour.
What sweeteners are used in these baked beans?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of dark molasses and 1/2 cup of packed dark brown sugar.
What kind of mustard is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ground dry mustard.
Why do I need an onion studded with cloves?
Studding the onion with cloves allows the flavors to infuse into the beans during the long baking process for a classic aromatic profile.
How many cloves should I use?
Use 4 to 6 whole cloves to stud the large onion.
What type of meat can be used in this dish?
You can use either a meaty ham bone or a piece of salt pork.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The beans should be baked in a preheated oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do the beans need to bake?
The beans require about 7 hours of baking time in the Dutch oven.
How often should I stir the beans while they are in the oven?
You should stir and check the beans once every hour during the baking process.
What size Dutch oven is recommended?
A 5-quart Dutch oven is ideal for soaking and baking this recipe.
How can I make the beans thicker?
To achieve a thicker final product, remove the lid of the Dutch oven during the latter part of the baking process.
How can I make the consistency moister?
If you prefer a moister consistency, simply add more water to the beans as they bake.
What do I do with the onion after baking?
Remove the onion and cloves from the pot, chop the onion, and then stir the chopped onion back into the bean mixture.
What should I do with the meat after the 7 hours?
Remove any meat from the ham bone or cut the salt pork into bite-sized pieces before returning the meat to the beans.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
Do I need to rinse the dried beans?
Yes, rinse the dried navy beans well before soaking to remove any dirt or stones.
What are the primary seasonings in this recipe?
The beans are seasoned with salt, dark molasses, dark brown sugar, dry mustard, black pepper, and whole cloves.
Is this recipe suitable for a backyard barbecue?
Yes, these baked beans are a perfect side dish for backyard barbecues and family gatherings.
Can I use salt pork if I don't have a ham bone?
Yes, salt pork is an excellent alternative that provides the necessary fat and smoky flavor.
Why is dark molasses used instead of light?
Dark molasses provides a deeper, richer, and more traditional New England flavor profile.
Is it necessary to use freshly ground black pepper?
While pre-ground works, 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Should the Dutch oven be covered during baking?
Yes, the Dutch oven should be covered for most of the baking time to retain moisture and ensure the beans become tender.
What type of bean dish is this?
This is a slow-cooked, New England style baked bean dish.
Can this recipe be prepared quickly?
While there is a quick soak method for the beans, the baking process itself takes 7 hours to achieve the traditional flavor.
What is the best way to serve these beans?
Serve the beans warm as a side dish, ensuring the meat and chopped onions are well-distributed throughout.